Giant Pumpkin Carve
Each Fall, pumpkins are transformed into works of art at the annual Giant Pumpkin Carve. This fun event celebrates autumn and showcases local artists by embracing the culture and agricultural richness of Salem County. All proceeds from the event benefit seniors and disabled clients of Meals on Wheels of Salem County.
The event includes a children’s costume contest, hayrides, farmer’s market with a variety of vendors, pony rides, children’s activities, pie eating contest for children and adults, and much more. New to this year’s event: food trucks!
22nd Annual Event Schedule
- 4:00-9:00 pm: Giant Pumpkin Carve Display —2 Barns – be sure to cast your vote in the 2nd barn!
- 4:15 pm: Color Guard presentation by the Civil Air patrol
- 5:00 pm: Costume Parade & Contest – (Registration available until 4:45, Parade Line up 4:55pm)
*register for contest at table in front of the stage barn - 5:30-6:30pm: Live Carving Demonstration
- 5:45 pm: Monster Mash Dance Contest
- 6:15 pm: Bobbing for Apples Contest (Children 4-7yr, Youth 8-12yr, Juniors 13-17) Stage *register for contest at table in front of the stage barn by 5:45pm
- 7:00 pm: Pound Fitness Interactive Demo with the HipHop Shop
- 7:30 pm: Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest (Youth 8-12yr, Juniors 13-17, Adult 18yr+) Stage
*register for contest at table in front of the stage barn by 7:00pm - 8:15 pm: Auction of Donated Baskets—Farmers Market
- 8:30 pm: Winners of Pumpkin Carving, Haunted Hole in One– Prizes at Office
- 9:00 pm: Event Closes
Giant Pumpkin Carvers NEEDED
60+ carved pumpkins – Our main attraction! Pumpkins are carved by volunteers of all ages and levels of experience. Attendees vote for the best pumpkin in each of the following categories; the Funniest, the Prettiest, the Scariest, the Best Youth, the Best Professional and the Best of Show. Our board of Directors selects an additional winner for the Director’s Choice prize. Prizes are awarded to all winners.
Carving begins at the Fair Grounds the day before the event from 5pm until 10pm. Additional details about carving can be found on the Carver form. Have additional questions? Contact Teresa Christoff at or at 856-935-3663.
Click here to download the Giant Pumpkin Carve carver registration form
Giant Pumpkin Carve Volunteers NEEDED
This event would not be possible without the help of volunteers. For those that do not have time throughout the year to volunteer for Meals on Wheels, this is an ideal way to help our organization. Many hands make for light work and for more people to share in the joy of a successful event with. Church groups, Youth organizations, Athletic teams, Fraternities/Sororities, Business, etc. are all welcomed to volunteer. All volunteers will be given a 22nd Annual GPC t-shirt to wear the day of the event. Additional information can be found on the Volunteer form or by contacting Teresa Christoff at or at 856-935-3663.
Click here to download the Giant Pumpkin Carve Volunteer registration form
Scarecrow Contest – NEW THIS YEAR!
This new event will give teachers and students the opportunity to be involved with Meals on Wheels of Salem County (MoWSC) while showing off their creativity! This contest is intended to begin to educate children about Meals on Wheels and community involvement. Classes who wish to participate will bring their pre-constructed scarecrow to the Salem County Fair Grounds on 9/28 between the hours of 2:30-5:30pm. Scarecrows will be displayed along the hayride route for guests to view while enjoying the ride. Our committee will judge the scarecrows and select a winner, which will be announced at the end of the event. The winning scarecrow’s class will receive a pizza party during the month of October and will be acknowledged on MoWSC social media and website. Additional information can be found on the Scarecrow contest form or by contacting Carly Melchert at or at 856-935-3663.
Click here to download the Scarecrow Competition registration form
Costume Contest & Parade
5:00 pm: Costume Parade & Contest on the Event Stage. The parade line up will begin at 4:45pm.
(Day of Registration required by 4:45pm at table in front of the stage barn)
A winner will be chosen for each of the following categories:
- Scariest
- Prettiest
- Most original
- Funniest
- Cutest
Grand Prizes Awarded
All participants will receive a prize!
Thanks to our sponsor: Woodruff Energy
Bobbing for Apples Contest
Contest will take place on the Event Stage.
(Day of Registration required by 5:45pm at table in front of the stage barn)
Age categories and times:
- 6:15pm Kiddies 4-7yr
- 6:30pm Youth 8-12yr
- 6:45pm Juniors 13-17yr
Grand Prizes Awarded
All participants will receive a prize!
Thanks to our sponsor: Woodruff Energy
Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
Contest will take place on the Event Stage.
(Day of Registration required by 7:00pm at table in front of the stage barn)
Age categories and times:
- 7:30pm Youth 8-12yr
- 7:45pm Juniors 13-17
- 8:00pm Adult 18yr+
Grand Prizes Awarded
All participants will receive a prize!
Thanks to our sponsor: Woodruff Energy
Giant Pumpkin 50/50 – $5 each
Tickets are available for purchase at the office located at 90 Market Street in Salem, NJ Monday through Friday from 9-3pm
Drawing held on 10/1 at 10:00 AM
This is a 50/50 Cash Raffle and winner will receive 50% of the amount received for all tickets or rights to participate.
No substitution of the offered prize may be made.