The color of pumpkins

As we approach the scariest night of the year, this face reminds us all – let’s celebrate the pumpkin.

Happy pumpkin head. Sunday afternoon pumpkin carving at Vino Salida.

There are big ones, small ones, oddly shaped ones, orange ones, white ones and even a pumpkin head lurking in the neighborhood disguised as a scarecrow.

Triangle eyes. Pumpkin carving at Vino Salida.

Scary … Sunday afternoon pumpkin carving at Vino Salida.

Boo! Sunday afternoon pumpkin carving at Vino Salida.

Pumpkins sharing the tips. Sunday afternoon pumpkin carving at Vino Salida.

There were two fun Halloween activities this past weekend in or near Salida. Vino Salida Wine Cellars offered the chance to carve a pumpkin while enjoying some wine, mulled cider, and soda for the kids. All the necessary tools and pumpkins were included in a nominal fee too good to resist.

The Maverick Potter sponsored three days of clay pumpkin carving at the Pumpkin Festival, recently held at the Hutchinson Ranch. The Guidestone’s Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival is an annual event held in October. The festival is also a major fundraiser for the organization.

Mark Rittmann from The Maverick Potter reported over 100 clay pumpkins made their way to the kiln to be fired and were then picked up by their owners. If you stop by the pottery shop in Salida you may still be able to see the array of unique faces and colors.