Some artists work in oils. Some in bronze. These artists work in pumpkins. Don’t snicker. When you see what the professional and amateur artists who compete in the annual Giant Pumpkin Carve do with these orange fruits (yes, technically speaking the pumpkin is a fruit but we think of it as a vegetable), you’ll be amazed at the detail and elaborate carvings.
This is one of those you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it events, but enough folks have seen and believed that it earned the Best Event in Salem County award for 2007. And no wonder. The artists start carving in the early afternoon -- it runs from 5 to 9 p.m. -- so the kids can enjoy the event without getting too tuckered out. Skip cooking that night and chow down on the food and refreshments before you make your way over to the pumpkin judging area. Live music and entertainment keeps the mood lively.
You can’t have a fall festival without a hayride and the Giant Pumpkin Carve keeps that tradition going with hayrides throughout the evening. Best of all, they are free. You can try your hand at making your own scarecrow or wander through the crafts area to see what other talented artisans have created. And bring your camera so you can capture memories of how the kids looked after their facepaintings.
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