The Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford

Each year at the Great Pumpkin Carve, over 70 local carvers gather to sculpt, saw and chisel giant pumpkins (some weighing up to 400 pounds!) before crowds of enthusiastic onlookers. This unique Chadds Ford tradition began in the early 1970’s when artist Andrew Wyeth and his son, Jamie, were convinced to carve pumpkins for decorating the inside of the Chadds Ford Inn (today Brandywine Prime).

Over time, other Chadds Ford artists joined in the carving and, within a few years, the event spread from the Inn’s front porch all the way across the lawn of the Chadds Ford Gallery. As the Pumpkin Carve grew it moved to larger and larger venues, finally landing in the meadow behind the Chadds Ford Historical Society in 1992 and has been held there ever since.

The Great Pumpkin Carve lasts three days (Thursday-Saturday) every year at the end of October. Thursday night visitors are able to witness the carvers hard at work, as they craft their pumpkin display. During that evening, the winners are also selected. On Saturday and Sunday visitors can view these pumpkins as candlelight highlights the intricate details of the carvers' work while also enjoying music, kids activities, local food and more!

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-17 and free for children 6 and under as well as CFHS members.