By John Chambless

Staff Writer

The magic of the annual Pumpkin Carve in Chadds Ford is best experienced at night, when the event draws thousands of people to the meadow behind the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

There, carvers have turned gigantic pumpkins into artworks that are illuminated with candles, the old-fashioned way. Walking past the grinning or grimacing jack-o-lanterns in the dark, as a cold wind blows through the trees, is perfect Halloween fun. Adding to the attraction – which brings in a meadow full of cars and shoulder-to-shoulder spectators – are a haunted trail and lots of flickering candlelight.

The pumpkins were carved last Thursday night as the crowds watched, and were lit again on Oct. 24 and 25, and then they were gone. Much like Halloween, which is coming up on Oct. 31, the Pumpkin Carve is a tradition that lasts a short time, but it's easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season.

On Friday morning, after the crowds had gone, a stroll through the Pumpkin Carve revealed the artistry of these mammoth creations. Here are a few of the spooky – and funny – results of this year's Pumpkin Carve.

Happy Halloween!

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail [email protected].