Giant Pumpkin Carving And A New Night Market This Friday In Annapolis

Eight giant pumpkins in downtown Annapolis and Eastport, known as the “great Annapolis pumpkins,” will be carved on Friday, October 27. The pumpkins range in size from 255 pounds to 1,719 pounds.

Starting around 10:00am, artists will arrive to start carving, and the public is invited to watch. By sunset, all the pumpkins will be carved and ready for photo opportunities.

This year’s carvers include Angelito Baban, a renowned ice carver; Eric Baisas, a master carver from Ice Lab; Charles Lawerance, a local painter, muralist and the owner of FinArt Gallery; Chistopher Pagent, a local sculptor and painter; Aaron “Skribe” Yealdhall, a local musician and artist; and a team of artists from Gallery 57 West working collaboratively on a pumpkin.

“Each of the local and regional artists have their own style,” said Erik Evans, executive director of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership and the Annapolis Arts District. “It is so much fun to see what theme each artist selects to carve.”

The giant pumpkins being carved are located at Boatyard Bar and Grill, Graduate Hotel, Visit Annapolis Visitors Center, St. Anne’s Church, Maryland Inn, the corner of Maryland Avenue and State Circle, the corner of Francis Street and Main Street, and on Market Space.

The same evening is the debut of the Annapolis Night Market on the ground level of the new Hillman Parking Garage. The market will be open from 4:00pm until 9:00pm, featuring an array of local artists and vintage dealers. This event will give the public a chance to check out the new parking garage while shopping. There will be live music by Kristy Allen and Ryan Kozell at the market and a family-friendly ghost tour starts at 6:00pm (reservations recommended).

Evans says his organization is pleased to spearhead the great Annapolis pumpkins and the new Annapolis Night Market.

“We love seeing all the families that come to Annapolis to experience something new,” he said. “Our goal is to provide a fun and safe way for individuals of all ages to enjoy a fall visit to Annapolis, Maryland. We are grateful to our sponsors that make this free event possible including Visit Annapolis, Maryland Tourism, Downtown Annapolis Partnership, the City of Annapolis, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the Annapolis Arts District, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, St. Anne's Church and Boatyard Bar and Grill."

Everyone is encouraged to take selfies with the great Annapolis pumpkins. The Downtown Annapolis Partnership is hosting a photo contest through October 31. Individuals who take a picture or shoot a video of themselves with any of the giant pumpkins and post it on social media along with the hashtags #GreatAnnapolisPumpkins and #visitAnnapolis will be entered for a chance to win gift cards to local Annapolis restaurants, shops, attractions and accommodations.