The 16th Annual Giant Pumpkin Carve is a success!
The ORIGINAL Giant Pumpkin Carve of Salem County once again lit up the night on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Salem County Fair Grounds. About 45 local professional, amateur and student artists transformed 61 great gourds into innovative works of art for all to admire, kicking off the Halloween season with magical displays.
An annual autumn event, The Giant Pumpkin Carve offered a fun and safe way to welcome fall and celebrate the agricultural richness of Salem County. Close to 4,600 people congregated at the fairgrounds. Of them, over 1,000 attendees voted for their favorite pumpkin by 8:00 p.m. when we had to begin counting ballots. The winners Kyle Marley and Steven Rickets, Heather Sakewicz, and Ken Gilcrest all took home prizes for their entries. Professional Artists in 2012 included: Lisa Davis, Ann and Joe Dorety, Deborah Waddington-Smith, and Lisa Marich.
Free "haunted" hay rides, musical entertainment, a variety of children's activities for kids 12 and under including a straw maze built by boy scout troop 53, crafts, baked goods, crowning of the Pumpkin Princess and more, were all part of the admission. A new Fall Farmers Market featured produce and items from local artists, crafters, florists, and others. Vendors also each donated a giftbasket to Meals on Wheels which was then auctioned off to lucky attendees.
Proceeds from the gate, sponsorships and donations--totalling almost $18,000--will help Meals on Wheels of Salem County, Inc. provide about 6,000 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. What better way to celebrate the bounty of Salem County!
We would especially like to thank the 150 volunteers, sponsors, our Board of Trustees and the many non-profit organizations who spent long hours working on the Giant Pumpkin Carve. This event would not have been such an incredible sucess without your support.
Our thanks to Dean Cipriano, local businessman, whose vision for The Giant Pumpkin Carve provides a unique way to help local charity by promoting the culture of Salem County.
Help us get ready for 2013!
While we regard the 2012 Giant Pumpkin Carve a success, there is always room for improvement. To offer feedback and/or to participate on the 2013 Giant Pumpkin Carve planning committee please, click here to email us or call (856) 935-3663 and ask for Peg or Christine.
