Back for its seventh year, the Amazing Pumpkin Carve will again be a drive-thru for visitors to enjoy from the comfort and safety of their cars. Adapted to our socially-distanced times, the Amazing Pumpkin Carve is an annual tradition, presented by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, that brings spectacular art and a (not too) spooky drive-thru with Halloween fun to our local community from Wednesday, October 6 through Sunday, October 10 at Woolsey Park in Hopewell Township.
Forty colossal pumpkins will be carved and electrified by many of the area’s most talented artists and displayed in a twinkling drive-thru. Smiling skulls, goopy ghouls, and even a giant crow are only a few of the cool creatures carved by artists in recent years.
“The unexpected shifting to a drive-thru last year turned out to be a hit, so we’re doing it again this year,” said Carol Lipson, HV Arts Council executive director. “The drive-thru provides a fun, safe way for families to enjoy the Carve. Plus, you can be in pajamas!”
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is much more than amazing pumpkins. Due to the popularity of this event, there can be a bit of a wait so, this year, winding through the line will become part of the fun. Sit back and be entertained by creepy decor, live or DJ’ed music throughout the weekend, and a giant movie screen. Visitors will also receive a free mini-pumpkin while supplies last. Popcorn and cider will be available for purchase.
“Carving giant pumpkins has become my favorite annual tradition with the Hopewell Valley Arts Council,” said returning pumpkin carver Barbara DiLorenzo, a local art teacher and children’s book author and illustrator. “I love the break in routine from teaching clay sculpture to students, to planning, sketching, then finally scooping a slimy pumpkin on carving day. I’m always in awe of what my fellow artists achieve with their own pumpkin sculptures. It’s a really great community of creative people.”
This event is a major fundraiser for the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ticket proceeds benefit artist-carvers’ honoraria and fund other Hopewell Valley Arts Council arts-related programs.
The Carve would not be possible without the growing list of generous supporters including presenting sponsor Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of J&J, and platinum sponsors Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Hamilton, Bristol Myers Squibb, and bronze sponsor NJM Insurance Group.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate fall fun in Hopewell Valley while supporting the many talented artists who call this region home. The Amazing Pumpkin Carve is open for five days only: Wed, Oct 6 to Sun, Oct 10 at Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. Ticket prices are $25/vehicle. No oversized vehicles permitted. For hours, tickets, and to plan your visit, please visit www.hvartscouncil.org/amazingpumpkincarve.
In the featured photo: “Epidemic” by Matt Derby, Amazing Pumpkin Carve 2020
