Giant Pumpkins Return to Pilesgrove Twp., NJ
Giant pumpkins will again be turned into works of art when amateur and professional artists compete in the 14th Annual Giant Pumpkin Carve on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 3 to 9:30 pm and Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 3 to 8 pm at the Salem County Fair Grounds on Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township, New Jersey.
The giant pumpkins, with all new children's activities and contests, are sponsored by local businesses to raise money to benefit Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. Admission: $10 for a 2-day ticket. There is no charge for children 5 and under.
Artists begin carving the giant pumpkins early Saturday morning and will work for hours transforming their great gourds into innovative works of art. Musical entertainment, free hay rides, a variety of new children's activities such as mask and pumpkin painting, Guess the Goblin Goo, pictures with a costumed character, straw maze, team contests and more will be available when the fair grounds open at 3 pm on both days of the event.
On Saturday October 16th at 6 pm, the giant pumpkin exhibit filling two barns opens for public viewing. Visitors will vote for the scariest, prettiest, funniest, "most Halloween," and most original pumpkin. Watch the crowning of the first ever Salem County Pumpkin Princesses and Princes, and join our new Country Ho Down with live muscians, square dancing and line dancing on Saturday only.
Compete on Sunday, October 17th only in the Giant Pumpkin Carve's first annual Trunk-R-Treat by decorating your vehicle's trunk (treats for children 12 and under in costume) and an all new Everything Pumpkin Bake-Off & Cook-Off , with judging for both events.
Pumpkin exhibits, along with children's and family activities will be held both days. The annual autumn event offers a fun and safe way to welcome fall, celebrate the agricultural richness of Salem County and, at the same time, offer a unique venue for local artists to display their work.
Proceeds from the gate helps Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. provide hot meals to elderly homebound in Salem County throughout the year. Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. began in 1977 and currently serves over 40,000 meals each year.
To participate in the 2010 event as an artist, volunteer or sponsor, or to register your vehicle for Trunk-R-Treat, or your child for Pumpkin Princess/Prince Pageant, click here to email us or call (856) 935-3663 and ask for Peg or Sammi.
Save time in line--purchase advanced tickets: use the ticket form, purchase at the Salem County Fair, August 3-6, 2010, or call Sammi at (856) 935-3663. All tickets must be paid in advance and picked up at Meals on Wheels offices no later than October 8, 2010.
Former artists include: Molly Sanger Carpenter, Deborah Smith, Bruce Garrity, Anne and Joe Dorety, Roxanna Hurst, Elizabeth Irving, David Dorrell, Tom Gamber, Margo Koehler, Katie Bitter, Tom Kopec, Jackie Steves, Sally Massimino, Marcia Allman, Mark Quinette, Katy Mortimer Rawlins and Theresa Cipriano.
Our thanks to Dean Cipriano, local businessman, and Sharron Boyle, former Meals on Wheels executive director, whose vision for The Giant Pumpkin Carve provides a unique way to help local charity by promoting the culture of Salem County.
