The Great Pumpkin arises out of his pumpkin patch and is greeted by his adoring followers at the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in Providence , Rhode Island. Could it be that Charlie Brown was right?
Today marks the end of my seven-day tribute to Halloween where I have featured the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island. Peggy and I have returned home to Oregon where we square off against each other in our annual pumpkin carving contest.
The day has arrived. The Great Pumpkin has risen out of his pumpkin patch and is flying across the sky, delivering candy and other goodies to girls and boys around the world. At least Charlie Brown believes he has, even if he can’t persuade his sidekicks and Snoopy that he exists. There are no lack of children out here in the real world who are willing to pay homage to the Great Pumpkin, however, especially if it involves dressing up in costumes and filling bags with candy. I remember my own childhood when my brother and I would pillage far and wide to load our gunny sacks. Then we would come home to admire our booty and stuff ourselves. On the scary side of things, we would hide out in the Graveyard next to our home and jump out to scare other children when they came knocking at doors in our neighborhood. (Little kids can really run fast.) It was all in good fun, one of the greatest days in the year— at least from our perspective.
While it was all about kids back then, adults have adopted the holiday as well today. Millions don costumes as they head off to work and to party.
Pumpkin carving has been an integral part of my Halloween since I first met up with Peggy. For many years we even had a pumpkin carving contest with other members of my family. That finally ended after a quarter of a century, but Peggy and I still look forward to out annual carving activities. And, we are pleased to note, our children and grandchildren have followed suit! Our two pumpkins from this year are displayed below. Using pumpkins from the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular for inspiration, Peggy and I are having our own contest! And you are the judges. Please note the one you like. I’ll report on the winner and who carved the pumpkin in my next post. Whoever wins get the dinner out of his or her choice. In other words, there is no loser.
Let the contest begin. Pumpkins have been chosen, tools gathered, and the proper Halloween setting chosen.
The Masked Carver has issued her challenge.
It is important to get in touch with your inner pumpkin before carving.
It takes guts to carve a pumpkin.
The ever so spooky Fire Face: Pumpkin Number 1
And the very scary Bad Kitty: Pumpkin Number 2
Thanks for choosing! And Happy Halloween from Peggy and Curt.
Wandering through Time and Place 