Enchanted Pumpkin Garden – 2017 – Part 2


The information below appeared on yesterday’s post so if you read that, feel free to skip to the pictures below. If, however, you didn’t read it, you can find it HERE.

This time of the year fosters much fun and merriment related to Halloween and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Carefree, AZ offers a display of pumpkin carvings and pumpkin-based dioramas. Ray Villafane and his crew are carving magicians and once again this year their skill is on display.

There is more background information in last year’s posts. You can find them HERE.

As you will see below, this year’s dioramas are entertaining with their ingenoius scenes and situations. A few are a bit macabre, but overall the display and event are very family friendly. Here are some photographs from the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, 2017 – Part 2


Ray Villafane continued to work on this carving of the day
As guests stroll through the garden Ray Villafane (pumpkin carver extraordinaire) continued to work on this carving of the day.


Keep an eye our as there are pumpkins at nearly every turn
Keep an eye our as there are pumpkins at nearly every turn!


With all the pumpkins in town, sometimes  medical care may be needed
With all the pumpkins in town, sometimes medical care may be needed.


Unfortunate pumpkin has an injured leg
Unfortunate pumpkin has an injured leg.


This individudal had a run in with a Cholla cactus
This individudal had a run in with a Cholla cactus!


There were some who wanted to relax around a campfire
There were some who just wanted to relax around a campfire.


The ol' swimmin' hole was popular this evening
The ol’ swimmin’ hole was popular this evening.


Hard to tell if this pumpkin is having fun or not
Hard to tell if this pumpkin is having fun or not.


Having trouble lifting weights at the gym
Having trouble lifting weights at the gym.


A boxing match was held on the other side of the gym
A boxing match was held on the other side of the gym and…


The fellow on the left is knocked off his feet
The fellow on the left is knocked off his feet.


Pumpkins needed to watch out for the mean pumpkin catcher!
Pumpkins needed to watch out for the mean pumpkin catcher!.


The three witches were working on a brew
The three witches were working on a brew.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

 
See previous posts about life in the desert HERE.


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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross – 2017 – JBRish.com



Enchanted Pumpkin Garden – 2017 – Part 1


This time of the year fosters much fun and merriment related to Halloween and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Carefree, AZ offers a display of pumpkin carvings and pumpkin-based dioramas. Ray Villafane and his crew are carving magicians and once again this year their skill is on display.

There is more background information in last year’s posts. You can find it HERE.

As you will see below, this year’s dioramas are entertaining with their ingenious scenes and exhibits. A few are a bit macabre, but overall the displays and event are very family friendly. Here are some photographs from the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, 2017 – Part 1


Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Sign


Ray Villafane wielding his pumpkin carving wizardry
Ray wielding his pumpkin carving wizardry.


Carved pumpkin closeup
Carved pumpkin closeup


This pumpkin appears to be afraid of spiders
This pumpkin appears to be afraid of spiders (dangling in front).


Bad news about pumpkins in the paper
This fellow seems disturbed about the pumpkins making the newspaper headlines.


Pumpkin piano man
Piano man doesn’t seem to be having a good night!


Halloween couple greets visitors on stage
A Halloween couple greets visitors on stage and will eagerly pose for pictures.


Have your picture taken atop hay bales with a pumpkin man
Visitors can have their picture taken atop hay bales with a pumpkin man.


A pumpkin farrier is shoeing a horse
Western themed pumpkin farrier is shoeing a horse.


Diorama chicks made from gourds
Diorama chicks made from gourds


These pumpkin horses are ready to go
These pumpkin horses are ready to go.


Stagecoach driver gets the team ready to move
A stagecoach driver gets the team ready to move.

Watch for Part 2 tomorrow!

 
See previous posts about life in the desert HERE.


**********


All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross – 2017 – JBRish.com



Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2016 – I

During this season last year, we visited Carefree, AZ which is just a short distance from our Sonoran Desert home. They had a pumpkin carving/Halloween display and festival that was, as the title indicates, enchanting. I can also add very creative and entertaining.

To read last year’s posts with daytime pictures that are quite different, visit the links below:

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – I

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – II

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – III

We decided to visit the exhibition once again. This year, however we arrived after dark. The nighttime presented several photographic challenges, so I hope you will overlook some of the shots if they are not quite as sharp or colorful as they should be. I think you will enjoy this post (and the next post) which should stimulate the holiday spirit.

When we arrived, it was just at the end of family pumpkin carving time. Professional sculptors had taught the skill of pumpkin carving and families were finishing their individual creations as we made our way to the large rotunda. This is done to raise money for the local “Y.”

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

It is interesting to watch the experts bring out the detailed facial features.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Why so puzzled or is it sad?

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

The previously carved pumpkins were jealously watching as others were getting all of the attention.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

And this little guy didn’t seem to care one way or the other as he sat upon the table. BTW – we were told last year that the appendages were artificial, but made to look real.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

There were plenty of carved pumpkins to see and some burlap-stuffed figures as well. Notice the faint figure in the background.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Here is that burlappy cowboy that was lurking in the previous photo. After all, it is Halloween in the western desert!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

There was a four hundred pound pumpkin on display as you can see…

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

And it was very orange and large. Notice the person’s legs on the left for some perspective.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

The family-carved pumpkins were judged and this young fellow was brought up to the stage to have his picture taken with pumpkin carver extraordinaire, Ray Villafane, as he was selected for his excellent carving. I was very impressed to see how well all of the amateur family carvers performed. I don’t think I could have done as well.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

A more traditional October pumpkin scarecrow was propped on the stage to help set the autumnal mood even though it was 90 + degrees that afternoon; pretty scary!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

This figure was sitting on a ledge off to the side and would be easy to miss. He was attempting to play a balancing game with some rocks. Just as a side note…the attention to detail in this exhibit was outstanding!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Instead of scaring passersby, this pumpkin looked as though it was scared of us!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Below is another view of a pumpkin pictured above. You may notice that the face glistens a bit. A brine mixture is sprayed onto the surface of the pumpkin as a preservative so when visiting the garden, there is a slight vinegar odor, but not unpleasant.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

These pumps were placed in the back of the stage to help provide that Halloween ambiance.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Not only the pumpkins were golden as..

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

several dogs seemed to be enjoying the exhibit as well. This one may be a bit scared!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Some pumpkins were just enjoying the exhibition. Others, as viewers will see in the next post, were not quite as lucky!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

We will leave you this day with an onlooking burlap maiden and child which were appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

View Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2016 – Part II


*NOTE:
The pumpkins in the scenes were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – III

The Carefree Desert Gardensis hosting a pumpkin fest this year and there is a schedule of events for family fun. Some of the days provide opportunities to watch sculptors at work creating their special brand of Jack-O-Lanterns. You can find more information by clicking here.

This is part three of a three part series about the Carefree Desert Gardens Pumpkin Festival. You can read the other posts here:

Part I, Part II

One of the more interesting venues at the Carefree Desert Gardens Pumpkin Festival is the ability to watch expert pumpkin sculptors at work. There is ample seating and shade for a good number of spectators so find your holiday inspiration here.

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A few of the carved pumpkins were quite whimsical and interesting. The appendages, it is noted, are not made of natural materials because they would be difficult to maintain and fashion according to need.

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A very clever displays is the one with the pumpkins diving off of a high stone wall into a bucket of water. Ooops! Apparently one pumpkin missed.

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Of course this is not to take away from the more artistic, if not serious, offerings.

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The planners put a lot of thought into this production as evidenced by the pumpkin picnic scene which is partially shown in the pictures below.

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Once again, I should mention the ever present gardens which are beautiful in their own right and what desert planting cannot be improved with some nested pumpkins?

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It is not easy being a pumpkin at this time of the year so after putting on such an interesting show, I think you will agree that these pumpkins have earned a good rest!

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Happy Halloween and safe Trick or Treating!

JBRish.com originally published this post

*NOTE: The pumpkins in the scenes were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – II

Our previous post (see it here) about the Carefree Desert Gardens Pumpkin Festival provided a good overview of what you might find at the exhibit. In our second post we will follow up with more posed pumpkin scenes…*

Such as this Motorcycle pumpkin daredevil with feet flying behind as he ramps over his “volunteers.” Is that pumpkin all the way to the left praying?

Motorcycle Daredevil Pumpkin

Pushing your special pumpkin friend on a swing is always a fun activity.
Swinging pumpkins

Or perhaps you would rather go for a wheelbarrow ride, but I don’t suggest being too pumpkin bossy!
Pumpkin wheelbarrow ride

This pumpkin looks persnickety as he is walking his gourd dog!
Dog-walking pumpkin

For that very special pumpkin in your life, roasting marshmallows together is a very Halloween thing to do,
Roasting Marshmallows

But try to ignore the eerie looking toadstools growing at the left end of the log!
Spooky toadstools

Scootering is one way to travel around the festival to visit your pumpkin buddies.
Pumpkin on a scooter

Golf appears to be a very difficult sport for pumpkins.
Pumpkin golf

Halloween mischief may be at hand with at least one pumpkin spotted with a slingshot.
Mischievous Pumpkin with Slingshot

Carving pumpkins can create a mess and someone needs to help clean up.
Cleaning the pumpkin carving mess

And after the cleanup, there is time for a siesta!
Sleeping pumpkin

Of course don’t forget there are gardens to look at as well and I must explain that they have some very unusual “crested” cactus like the one pictured below. Also look for the large crested saguaro which is quite rare.
Crested cactus on display

*It is noted that the pumpkins in the scenes were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

An additional related post will follow!


JBRish.com originally published this post

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – I

Just because we have temperatures over 100 degrees in the month of October doesn’t mean we don’t celebrate Halloween. That holiday is alive and well in the Sonoran Desert and the town of Carefree, AZ is in a spooky mood!

The Carefree Desert Gardensis hosting a pumpkin fest this year and there is a schedule of events for family fun. Some of the days provide opportunities to watch sculptors at work creating their special brand of Jack-O-Lanterns. You can find more information by clicking here.

To preserve the carved pumpkins, they are treated with a brine mixture and some are submerged in brine containers. In the picture below, for example, there is an artificial saguaro cactus containing a brine-filled glass container housing a carved pumpkin. Signs warn that although the saguaro may be fake, the needles are real; one way to discourage touching!

Saguaro with brined pumpkin

In the close up you will notice that there is a highlight at the top which is created by a blacklight. The gardens are open after dark and my assumption is the lighting adds to the mystery of the presentation.

Brined pumpkin with blacklight

There were many carvings in brine such as this bulldog

Carved Bulldog in Brine

a ferocious wolf

A carved pumpkin wolf

an Imp

A carved pumpkin imp

and a devilish character!

A devilish pumpkin character

*Other exhibits include pumpkins posed in human-like activities:

There was a William Tell wannabe and his target friend (not pictured),

William Tell-like pumpkin

It’s not easy being a pumpkin the desert so a nap is required every now and then

Tired, napping pumpkin

or perhaps a break relaxing by the pool.

Pumpkin relaxing by the pool

There are more than just pumpkins. There are witches hats although not the standard black issue.

An orange witch hat

Of course it is all about the carving by master pumpkin carver Ray Villafane.

pumpkin carver Ray Villafane

*It is noted that the pumpkins not enclosed in brine were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

Additional related posts will follow!



JBRish.com originally published this post