A large crowd gathered at the park to carve pumpkins. (Photo by Betsy Allen)

Last Sunday, October 23, was a great day for doing some pumpkin carving at the City of Hurricane’s annual pumpkin carving event. Pumpkin artists of all ages flocked to the city park, where they commenced carving at various stations around the grounds. Five hundred pumpkins were given away at the event to allow participants to express their creativity. The City provided carving kits, but more experienced carvers could bring their own as well.

Hurricane’s pumpkin carving day featured several new activities this year. There was an inflatable axe toss, and a sand art booth where children could create colorful bottles filled with sand. Putnam County-based band Southridge performed throughout the day. T-shirts advertising the Hurricane Harvest Festival, which was cancelled this year due to rain, were free for the public to take. There was also free apple cider and snacks.

At the end of the day, pumpkins entered into the carving contest were judged. There were four categories based upon age group, as well as a Mayor’s Choice category.

Winners of the pumpkin carving contest were as follows:
Ages 0 – 5: First Place – Isaac; Second Place – Leia Hull; Third Place – Hero
Ages 6 – 10: First Place – Christopher Sexton; Second Place – Anson; Third Place – Sawyer
Ages 11 – 16: First Place – Evan Tayler; Second Place – Cooper Ryan; Third Place – Jenna King
Ages 17 and Up: First Place – Betsy Anderson; Second Place – Laura Jarrell; Third Place – Missy Ryan
Mayor’s Choice: Eliza Moore