Halloween spirit invades Carefree in the form of whimsical pumpkin carvings from master carver Ray Villafane. The first of its kind in the United States, The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden is open to the public and woven throughout the 4 acre Carefree Desert Gardens. The display runs October 16-31, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., 101 Easy Street, Carefree.
This entirely free event celebrates incredible artistry and the enchantment of the Halloween season. Attendees are invited to stroll the gardens where Villafane’s 3-D characters will be posed.
The opening weekend starting Friday, October 16, will host live pumpkin carving demonstrations by Villafane in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Photo opportunities will be available with the “King of Carefree” Pumpkin which stands five feet high, and is a 300-pound sculpted masterpiece with hand crafted pumpkin vine arms and legs. Each Villafane sculpture is a model of skillful talent and imagination. Arranged throughout the Desert Gardens will be 45 mischievous pumpkin characters, artfully imagined and frolicking in their magical new home. In addition to the playful pumpkins, Ray will carve ten 3D pumpkin faces preserved and displayed in hand sculpted Saguaros, carved by Villafane and lit by LED lighting.
Other special weekend events throughout the 16 day Pumpkin display include special family carving nights with Ray Villafane and the YMCA, a pet costume parade lead by Foothills Animal Rescue, Picasso pumpkin activities for kids, craft beer tent, autumnal treats and more. On Halloween, the garden will be open until 10 p.m., costumes encouraged.
Based in Arizona, Ray Villafane is an internationally acclaimed American sculptor who has travelled throughout the globe fashioning exceptional figures and scenes out of pumpkins, sand and snow.
Villafane has been called, “The Michelangelo of pumpkin carving,” by Martha Stewart, carving for the President at the White House, and has appeared on numerous national TV programs as well as holding two World Guinness Book of Records. He’s also known for his Food Network’s Pumpkin Challenges, which he won in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Calendar Brief
What: Enchanted Pumpkin Garden featuring pumpkin sculptures from world-renowned artist Ray Villafane
Date and Time: October 16-31, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, in downtown Carefree
Cost: Free admission
Special Event Schedule:
“Enchanted Pumpkin Garden” Weekend Highlights
Saturday, October 17th
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – LIVE Pumpkin Carving –Featuring world renowned carver, Ray Villafane from Villafane Studios
10 am- 11am – Pet Costume Parade in the Gardens – Foothills Animal Rescue
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. 4 p.m. – Picasso Pumpkin Kids activities sponsored by Easy Street Galleria located in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Family Carving Nights with Ray Villafane and the YMCA
Refreshments and treats will be served during the weekends!
Sunday, October 18th
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.- LIVE Pumpkin Carving –Featuring world renowned carver, Ray Villafane from Villafane Studios.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. 4 p.m. – Picasso Pumpkin Kids activities sponsored by Easy Street Galleria located in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Saturday, October 24
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – LIVE Pumpkin Carving – Watch the carved masterpieces unfold up-close and personal! Featuring Paola Acuna, from Villafane Studios.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. 4 p.m. – Picasso Pumpkin Kids activities sponsored by Easy Street Galleria located in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Sunday, October 25
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – LIVE Pumpkin Carving – Watch the carved masterpieces unfold up-close and personal! Featuring Paola Acuna from Villafane Studios.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. 4 p.m. – Picasso Pumpkin Kids activities sponsored by Easy Street Galleria located in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Saturday, October 31
7 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Kiwanis of Carefree hosts their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
9 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.- LIVE Pumpkin Carving – Featuring world renowned carver, Ray Villafane from Villafane Studios.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.- Kids Picasso Pumpkin activities sponsored by Easy Street Galleria located in Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Sundown – YMCA family pumpkin drop-off in the Gardens – decorate your pumpkin and bring it to the Gardens!
