Pumpkin Carve produces champion slashers

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on October 21, 2016

Let's face it: This pumpkin created by Patrick Cabry deserves its top prize at the Great Pumpkin Carve.

Ten pumpkin-carving teams slashed their way to greatness in a field of 72 on Thursday night, Oct. 20, as the 2016 Great Pumpkin Carve kicked off its three-day run.

Mark Rupp earned a $100 prize for "Best Use of Pumpkin." — Mark Rupp earned a $100 prize for 'Best Use of Pumpkin.'

Patrick Cabry snagged the top “Best Overall” prize of $200 – not bad for someone who didn't even know he was going to be able to compete. Cabry was on the waiting list, said members of the Chadds Ford Historical Society, which organizes the popular event.

A team of judges, including representatives from Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Conservancy, and the Concordville-Chadds Ford Rotary Club, awarded $100 prizes each to Kelina Ganon for “Best Carving,” Mark Rutt for “Best Use of Pumpkin,” the Santoleri family for “Most Original,” and the Hall family for “Most Halloween.”

Amid the fierce competition, honorable mentions went to the Owens family for “Best Overall,” Jeff Brown for “Best Carving,” Linda Allan for “Best Use of Pumpkin,” John Bilek for “Most Original,” and Tony and Nick Mottola for “Most Halloween.”

For the first time, the vote for the People’s Choice Award will occur on the society’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/185368475205063/ or the event’s Facebook page, click here. Votes will be counted through “liking” the image. The winner will be posted on Monday, Oct. 24.

The 'Most Original' prize went to the Santoleri family.

The decked-out pumpkins will be on display rain or shine on Friday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 3 to 9 p.m. In addition, there will be hayrides, live music, food and beverages along with selected arts and crafts.

Tickets, which are available at the gate, are $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 7 to 17. Admission is free for CFHS members and children 6 and under. More information is available at http://www.greatpumpkincarve.com.

The pumpkin was judged 'Most Halloween.' — The Hall family's pumpkin was judged 'Most Halloween.'

The Chadds Ford Historical Society is located at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford, a short distance from Route 1. For more information, contact the society at 610-388-7376 or visit its website at www.chaddsfordhistory.org.

To learn more about the Great Pumpkin Carve's opening night, click here.