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It’s the most spook-tacular time of the year and that means pumpkins - lots of them! It is in this spirit that the Delaware State Fair and the Biggs Museum of American Art partner for the second year in a row to hold The Great Delaware Pumpkin Carve Festival. The Great Delaware Pumpkin Carve Festival is an all-weather Halloween classic-in-the-making that will take place at the Fairgrounds under the roof of the Quillen Arena. “If you enjoy Halloween, The Great Delaware Pumpkin Carve Festival is guaranteed to be something special for families all across the peninsula and beyond. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be missed event that has something for everyone in the family,” shared Bill DiMondi, General Manager, Delaware State Fair. “There is nothing like this in Delaware and we are really excited to host this fun filled family weekend in partnership with our friends at the Biggs Museum.” The Delaware State Fair and the Biggs Museum invite enthusiast pumpkin carvers ranging from 1st time carvers to seasoned pros to come out and showcase their creativity. “We cannot wait to see what sort of inventive designs local artists and community members produce for this exhibition,” shares Charles Guerin, Executive Director, Biggs Museum. “Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just love carving pumpkins, we invite you to participate in this exhibition – but don’t wait too long, there are only 50 pumpkins available to carve!” Interested in becoming a festival pumpkin carver? Carvers are welcome from all ages, from various creative backgrounds and can include individuals, families and friends. Carving fee is $25 per induvial or team and includes gate admission (up to 4 per team) and oversized pumpkin. Competition rules and judging categories are posted on the website. Carving opportunities are limited to the first 50 carvers who apply! Sign up now at www.delawarepumpkincarve.com. The festival and carving competition begins on Friday evening, October 18th at 5PM. Festival goers who are looking to have a “gourd” time will be delighted as they stroll through the competition of bustling carvers shaping their creations throughout the evening and won’t be left feeling hollow inside as each festival goer will be given the opportunity to cast their vote towards their favorite pumpkin for the People's Choice Award. There will also be a live DJ, our very own animated Pumpkin Tales, Spooky Sandcastle, children’s hay maze presented by Gootees Marine, festival foods, fall drinks along with beer and wine and the illumination of the completed carved masterpieces. On Saturday the festivities continue with doors opening at 10AM to a delightful display of the Illuminated Pumpkin Patch. In addition to the Pumpkin Patch, there are plenty of family and kid friendly activities! Costume contests for both adults and kids alike 2019 Costume Contest Rules, bounce house, kid’s pumpkin crafts, carving demonstrations, animated Pumpkin Tales, Spooky Sandcastle, balloon twisting, children’s hay maze and face painting presented by Gootees Marine, trick-or-treating, as well as live DJ, festival food and Fall treats offered by area local eateries. At the end of the festival, families are encouraged to stroll down the illuminated trail to trick-or-treat in the Grove Camping area as they make their way to redeem their free bumper car ride inside the Centre Ice Arena. All children, ages 12 & under, attending the festival will be given a voucher for a free bumper car ride good only on Saturday, October 19th between 5:15 – 9:30PM. For those RV campers out there, you and your family can camp overnight and enjoy both days of the festival. Come prepared to decorate your campsite and walk away with one of several prizes rewarding the spookiest, most whimsical or creative decorating ideas. Camping details are located on the event website: www.delawarepumpkincarve.com. The Pumpkin Carve also offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities ranging from having a Corporate Carving team, becoming an event sponsor or sponsoring a single pumpkin. Sponsoring this family fun event provides your company with the unique opportunity to connect with the community and build brand awareness. Details are available on the event website or by calling Paige Davison at 302.398.3269. All proceeds benefit the Biggs Museum of American Art and the Delaware State Fair which are nonprofits serving our community.