Amazing Pumpkin Carve: ‘Celebration of community spirit’

Massive pumpkins will soon be turned into actual works of art when the Hopewell Valley (HV) Arts Council hosts its 10th annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve.

More than 150 pounds each, artists are set to once again be hard at work carving these pumpkins into decorative images, Halloween characters, creative scenes, and places under a big tent set up on the grounds of Woolsey Park in Hopewell Township.

There are 30 pumpkins, which have been donated through the years by Harbat Farms in Hopewell, that will be on display from Oct. 9 until Oct. 13.

Residents and visitors are going to be able to view these works of art in pumpkin form on Oct. 9 from 7-9 p.m.; Oct. 10 from 5-9 p.m.; Oct. 11 from 5-9 p.m.; Oct. 12 from 3-9 p.m.; and Oct. 13 from 3-6 p.m. 

“It’s incredible to see how the Carve has evolved over the past 10 years,” said Carol Lipson, executive director of the HV Arts Council.

“This event is more than just a showcase of pumpkin art—it’s a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the fun of fall. We’re thrilled to be able to bring this event back each year, thanks to the support of our sponsors, artists, and everyone who attends.”

Featured carvers participating and celebrating the 10th year of the Amazing Pumpkin Carve include Brittany Keyak-Potoczky, Susan Roseman, Jeff Brown, Michael Davies, Jodi Walker, Jonathan Conner, Kathleen Sheehan, Jennifer Stevens and Annette Vilagos, Poppy Sangthong and Peter Buruschkin, Matt Derby, Leonora Kandiner and Tim Cresson, Barbara DiLorenzo and Jonathan Fisk, Patrick Pasquito, Caroline Hall, Michelle Clark, Aleece Davis and Jill Thomas, Curtis May, Jason Ferrara, John Woodard, Joyce Vollmer, Danielle Costa McCobb and Rich Palumbo, Austin Martin, Charlie Yeh, Sarah Bernotas, and John Goeke.

There will be live music, a hay bale playground, live music at the bandshell, and pumpkin painting as some of the other featured parts of the Pumpkin Carve.

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve brings artists who may not have seen each other in a while together again and also helps people stir their own creativity in carving their own pumpkin. Lipson previously described to the Hopewell Valley News that the Amazing Pumpkin Carve shows people how they take pumpkin carving to the next level.