Dallas – September 30, 2026 -- Advance ER is opening its lobbies to community voting for its annual Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest, with ballots open from Monday, October 5 through Sunday, October 11 at its Park Cities and Preston Hollow/Galleria locations.
Staff spent 14 days transforming blank pumpkins into displays
Undecorated pumpkins were set out in both lobbies on September 16, giving Advance ER staff two weeks to carve and paint their entries before public voting begins.
Families get treats while they vote
During voting week, kids can pick up candy and small gifts, and adults receive a complimentary first-aid kit for the car, limited to one per family. The first five children to vote at each location get a free squishy toy, also limited to one per family.
Six award categories, winners announced October 15
Entries compete for titles including First Place ('The Showstopper'), Second Place ('The Crowd-Pleaser'), Third Place ('The Heart-Warmer'), Team Collaboration Award, Patient Favorite, and Most Creative Name. Results will be posted on Advance ER's social media channels.
Teresa Di Falco, Marketing and Community Development Leader at Advance ER, said she looks forward to the contest every year because it connects staff with local families ahead of the holiday season.
Pumpkins go to schools and libraries after the contest
Once voting wraps, the decorated pumpkins will be donated to local elementary schools and libraries in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Advance ER also backs a citywide pumpkin patch fundraiser
Separately, Advance ER is partnering with Community Partners of Dallas for the NorthPark Pumpkin Patch and Change is Good initiative, running October 1 through November 1 at NorthPark Center. A free public carnival is scheduled for October 4, with rides and family activities; tickets are available now. Advance ER also makes monthly donations to Community Partners of Dallas, including backpacks with glow-in-the-dark blankets and pillows for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma.