Springfield designer, builder and professional pumpkin sculptor Mike Brown is returning to Food Network competition television as a contestant on the new season of "Halloween Wars."
The series premieres Sept. 13, according to a community announcement. Brown, who is based in Springfield, Missouri, previously won Season 7 of the show alongside teammates Liz Marek and Christophe Rull.
The "Back from the Dead" season opens with a two-hour episode featuring returning pumpkin carvers, cake artists and sugar masters competing for a $30,000 grand prize. Host Jonathan Bennett is joined by judges Shinmin Li and Andrew Fuller, who will evaluate teams throughout the season.
Brown built a career in design and construction after graduating from architecture
school in 2010. His professional background includes residential and commercial design work, with an emphasis on both planning and hands-on construction.
He began carving pumpkins as a hobby in 2012 before expanding the pursuit into competition appearances and live demonstrations at festivals and events across the Midwest.
Television appearances and business pursuits
Since his championship season, Brown has appeared on television and digital platforms including Food Network, Disney and Dude Perfect. His accomplishments also include earning a Guinness World Records title.
Outside of television competition, Brown and his wife, Patti, operate Heartwood House, a residential design and home furnishings company. The business combines their interests in design, craftsmanship and home furnishings.
The couple have four sons: Maddox, 15, Jase, 12, Zeke, 7, and Liam, 5.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield designer Mike Brown to compete on Food Network show
