Somehow I managed to go 25 years without ever carving a pumpkin. I've painted them and eaten plenty of pumpkin pie and cookies. But, until last week I'd never carved a single one. And, now I’m here to tell you that my pumpkin carving experience might have begun and ended last week. It's hard work. I have a bruise on my arm to prove it. And, for $2 a pop you get exactly what you pay for when it comes to those flimsy little carving saws.
But, I digress. I brought up my carving debacle because this week I had another first time pumpkin experience: the Anamosa Pumpkin Fest. Luckily the second pumpkin-related even went a lot smoother than the first.
Saturday, the day of the event, was gorgeous. I was overdressed for such a warm fall day in jeans and a zip-up hoodie. But, nevertheless I was happy to be outdoors enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I think a lot of other people had the same idea. There were swarms of festival goers lined up at every food and craft vendor. The entire length of Anamosa’s Main Street was literally flooded with people. And, of all the people I talked to, only two were from Anamosa. So, word of the event must travel well.
After walking Main Street up and down several times, I saw many people but not one single pumpkin. A couple of the folks I interviewed even asked me if I knew where the big pumpkins were. After all, weren't we at a PUMPKIN fest? Eventually I found them beyond the festival at the far end of the street in the community building.
Most of the monoliths didn't look anything like the perfect pumpkins people I'd interviewed had described. They weren't orange, round, symmetrical or standing up straight. But, they sure were HUGE, waist high and more girth than I could get my arms around. These pumpkins were definitely not for carving. I'd like to see one of those teeny tiny carving saws take on those 800 pound beasts. But, since my carving days are numbered, I'll go back to my favorite form of pumpkin. I wonder how the big 'uns taste in a pie?
Next week, we're gearing up for Halloween. I'll be in Mt. Pleasant for the Midwest Central Railroad's Ghost Train in the Night. Yikes!