Nothing but fun at The Carve

An estimated 13,000 people toured the pumpkin patch at the
Chadds Ford Historical Society to check out the creations at the annual Great
Pumpkin Carve. Nearly 3,000—one from as far away as Washington State—came
opening night to watch the 67 carvers and carving teams work their magic.

The annual event is best described in one word, “Fun.”
That’s word carvers and visitors alike used opening night.

Stained glass artist Robert Horan, a Pennsbury Township
resident, said he was just in it for the fun, as did Birmingham Township
resident and sand sculptor Chuck Feld.

“I’m not here to win anything; it’s just fun being here,”
said Feld.

Feld did finish as a winner anyway, winning Best Use of
Pumpkin with his carving of a turtle.

Another perennial carver, Deb Parry, echoed Feld’s comment.
She, too, teaming with her daughter Jennifer MacNeil-Traylor, entered the
winner’s circle earning the People’s Choice award.

The Carve has been a Chadds Ford tradition since the 1970s
when the likes of Jamie Wyeth and Jimmy Lynch carved pumpkins on the porch of
the Chadds Ford Inn. Over the years, The Carve has been held in the parking lot
of the Brandywine River Museum and at Hank’s Place.

One story suggests it moved because Wyeth was almost hit by
a car on Route 1 after he stepped back to look at his work. Another story says
the pumpkins got in the way of the drunks. Such is the folklore of The Carve.

The Historical Society began hosting the event in the 1990s.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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  1. minarchs

    Great local history included in the story!

    Hope all is well,

    Sue

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