The Hopewell Valley Arts Council hosted its 10th Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve from October 9 to 13 at Woolsey Park, attracting families, art lovers, and fall enthusiasts from across the region. This year’s event featured 30 creatively carved pumpkins displayed under a big top tent, and the stunning artistry made this year’s Carve the most amazing yet.
For the first time, the event introduced the People’s Choice Awards, where attendees could vote for their favorite pumpkin, making it a highlight for visitors. The top 15 winners were:
“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; “Bob,” Jodi Walker; “American Gardener,” Caroline Hall; “Give Peace a Chance,” Curtis May; “Plumpkin,” Patrick Pasquito; “Nosferatu,” Liam May; “Punk Rider,” Aleece Davis; and “Death Star,” Michael Davies.
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council says that proceeds from the Amazing Pumpkin Carve will support the council’s arts programming throughout the year.
The event featured a festive atmosphere with live music, a hay bale playground and pumpkin painting.
“The Amazing Pumpkin Carve continues to be one of our biggest events,” said Carol Lipson, Executive Director of the Hopewell Valley 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.”

Curtis May and his pumpkin, “Give Peace a Chance,” at the Hopewell Valley Amazing Pumpkin Carve. (Photo by Evy and Ted Inoue.),