Mainer’s Massive 270 Carved Pumpkin Display in Lewiston is Remarkable
One Lewiston, Maine, man's obsession is a sight to be seen.
Ashley is so proud of her husband's pumpkin display, that she said I had to come visit.
Boy, I am glad I did. 270 carved pumpkins on display for one night only on Halloween!
Andrew makes it look easy, and as Ashley found out - it's not.
Truth be told he makes it look so easy that I tried carving an Elmo pattern and it turned into the one-eyed purple people eater because the nose just took over. Sadly I will admit the Elmo pattern was supposed to be an easy one…
Why does this Lewiston man carve so many amazing pumpkins?
Andrew, the artist, said,
I always enjoyed carving pumpkins as a kid but hated that the pumpkins would rot away so quickly no matter what you did. Coming home from school to carve a pumpkin on Halloween so it would be as fresh and crisp as possible left me feeling rushed to get it out in time ahead of trick or treating.
Then, year after year, I would miss that I had carved such a great pumpkin the year before and that no one would see it.
This is his favorite. It's Tommy Shelby from the show 'Peaky Blinders'.\
Families make it a tradition to come visit this house in Lewiston, Maine
The reason that these pumpkins are on display for only one night is that they are foam pumpkins. Real pumpkins, with this detailed carving, would rot and never be enjoyed again. This way, he can set out his pumpkins for display (with some creative moving) and add a few every year.
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Ashley loves watching her husband on Halloween night. It's amazing to see how much joy and amazement these pumpkins bring to people in the area. And Lewiston is an area that could use as much joy and amazement as possible.
How did it get to 270 carved pumpkins in Lewiston, Maine?
Andrew stumbled across foam carveable pumpkins and did some research to find that others used those so that they would last. The first year he started with just 5, then the second year he added 10. Some years he would add 20 carved pumpkins if he started in August. This year he did 10. He wanted to carve 17, but the detailed carvings took a toll on his hands.
Why aren't they on display in Lewiston more than just Halloween night?
They're on display on Halloween night only as they're very lightweight and not weather-resistant. So, to protect them it's a one-night-only show. Year after year, people come back to see the display. Word of mouth is spreading on this unbelievable display. Sure it's a lot of work for one night, but they love how much the community loves them. Get ready, because after Halloween comes their 'expansive' Christmas display that goes up on Thanksgiving night.
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Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz