Pumpkin Carving Contest To Take Place In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — It's time for Cranford residents to flex their artistic muscles, as the 2022 Great Pumpkin Carve Out is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Jersey Central Art Studios, with support form the Cranford Jaycees, is hosting the eighth iteration of the pumpkin carving event at Hanson Park — 38 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

The pumpkin carving contest is a free event and is open to all ages.

Individuals can drop off their creatively carved pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hanson Park on Oct. 22 along with a completed registration form (available at www.jcas.org in advance or available on site).

The community is also invited to stroll through Hanson Park from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to check out the pumpkin-lit garden paths and see the carved pumpkins on display.

Cash awards will be given for the funniest, scariest and most original carved pumpkin grouped by ages; 4-8, 9-16 and 17 and up.

This year will also feature a family category so families can submit a group pumpkin.

Note that this year’s event starts at 5:30 PM, a half hour earlier than in past years, to accommodate those who may prefer an earlier viewing of the displays.

In addition, a big-screen outdoor showing of a surprise favorite movie will start at dark. Residents are encouraged to bring blankets.

The movie, stroll and contest are all free. Hot cider and cookies will be available for purchase, as well.

Jersey Central Art Studios is a group of artists and citizens dedicated to raising awareness of the arts and the artistic process, as well as integrating the arts into the community through education, events and economic development.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.