Amazing Pumpkin Carve: ‘The talent and creativity on display were impressive’

Hopewell Valley (HV) Arts Council’s Amazing Pumpkin Carve has produced works of art through massive pumpkins carved by local artists for 10 consecutive years.

The annual tradition hosted by the HV Arts Council occurred at Woolsey Park in Hopewell Township from Oct. 9 through Oct. 13. Hopewell Valley residents, surrounding township residents and other visitors were able to see various carvings of Halloween images, decorative scenes, characters, and phrases.

“The Amazing Pumpkin Carve continues to be one of our biggest events,” said Carol Lipson, executive director of the HV Arts Council. “This year, the talent and creativity on display were so impressive, and the support from our community, sponsors, and volunteers made it all possible.”

There were 30 pumpkins on display under a big tent on the grounds of Woolsey Park. In 2024, this was the first time the HV Arts Council introduced the People’s Choice Award for the pumpkin carve.

The people who attended the event were able to vote for their favorite pumpkin for the People’s Choice Award.

The top 15 winners:

• Multifaceted: Jason Ferrara
• Basket of Flowers: Jeff Brown.
• Feed Me: Rich Palumbo and Danielle Costa-McCobb
• Potato, Potato: Austin Martin
• Owl Moon: Barbara DiLorenzo and Jonathan Fisk
• JACK: Darren Peterson
• Deception: Matt Derby
• Moo Deng: Poppy Sangthong and Peter Buruschkin
• The Kraken: John Goeke
• From the Deep: Britany Keyak-Postoczky,
• Tie – Bob: Jodi Walker and American Gardener: Caroline Hall
• Tie – Give Peace a Chance: Curtis May and Plumpkin: Patrick Pasquito
• Nosferatu: Liam May
• Punk Rider: Aleece Davis
• Death Star: Michael Davies

Additionally, live music, a hay bale playground, live music at the bandshell, and pumpkin painting were other featured amenities for the annual event celebrating its 10th year.

The proceeds generated from the Amazing Pumpkin Carve go toward supporting the Arts Council’s programming throughout the year.