Operation Pumpkin comes every year to downtown Hamilton, bringing tasty food, delicious drinks, rocking music, and even a pet parade! However, nothing is quite as iconic as the orange monstrosities that form the centerpiece of the festival: the 1000-pound pumpkins.
These amazing pumpkins are incredibly difficult to grow; they require expert growers to use the right combination of pumpkin variety, water, soil type, and pruning of the vines to force all the plant’s energy into one enormous pumpkin. The results are staggering on their own, but they are even more exciting as canvases for master sculptors and expert carvers.
One such pumpkin carving artist is Greg Butauski, a Certified Master Carver at Rock On Ice. He has participated in the pumpkin carving at Operation Pumpkin for years, as well as ice carving at the Hamilton winter festival Ice Fest.
When he was studying at University of Akron, he saw someone else carving on the back dock, and because he thought it looked like fun, he picked it up himself.
When looking for the perfect pumpkin for carving, Butauski pays attention to size and shape.
“It should be kind of heavy, surprisingly dense when you pick it up,” he said. “This shows there is more meat to carve. I can also notice the color or irregular shape of a pumpkin and get inspired; sometimes you see something in it and just go to town.”
Butauski has carved may different family-friendly pumpkins over the years, and his favorites are often animals and nature themed. “I have done a rhino head, an alligator, and even a mermaid last year,” he said.
Preparing for a major pumpkin carving event takes training and practice; Master Carvers take sculpting classes and they practice all the time. They will study the object or figure they wish to carve intensely before they begin, and will bring printed pictures from multiple angles to help them make sure the result is great.
The 1000 pound pumpkins are an extra special treat, since carving one of them usually takes 6 to 8 hours at an event like Operation Pumpkin. By carving on-site, the sculptors get to see how the festival attendees react to the art.
While master carvers may be drawn to October festivals like Operation Pumpkin for the giant-pumpkin option, Butauski encourages carving regular-sized pumpkins for people of all skill levels.
“It’s very relaxing and fun, and not stressful, since it isn’t a medium that’s going to stick around,” he said. “It’s nice that you can do it with your kids, and since people have a fascination with pumpkins, it should be fun whether the finished product looks good or it doesn’t.
Tools of the Pumpkin Carving Trade
Paring Knives: One of the most versatile tools for adding texture to design and cutting out deeper parts of the pumpkin’s exterior.
Clay Tools: A variety of cutting and shaping tools that work for carving clay are also able to penetrate the soft but firm flesh of the pumpkins.
Scrubbing Pads: Steel wool and other scrubbing and cleaning pads are helpful for adding shading or texture to the top surface of the pumpkin.