The clock is ticking for young artists and writers across the region as the Excelsior Springs Area Cultural Guild’s Arts from the Pumpkin Patch contest nears its entry deadline of Sept. 12.Open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade from Excelsior Springs and surrounding towns, including Kearney, Rayville, Richmond, Lawson, Orrick, Prathersville, Mosby and Wood Heights, the contest blends autumn themes with creativity in both visual art and writing.Students are invited to submit entries in painting, sculpture, woodworking, mosaic, photography, fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Rather than sending originals, participants are asked to mail photos or copies of their work along with a permission form, ensuring the safety of every piece. Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 12 to be eligible for judging.Winners in each age category will receive $25, but every participant will earn a certificate and personalized feedback from judges. Organizers noted the goa...