September 16, 2015

World-Renowned artist carves Enchanted Pumpkin Garden October 16 – 31

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CAREFREE – Halloween spirit invades Carefree in the form of whimsical pumpkin carvings from master carver Ray Villafane. The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden is open to the public and woven throughout the Carefree Desert Gardens. The display runs October 16-31, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., 101 Easy Street, Carefree. 



This entirely free event celebrates incredible artistry and the enchantment of Halloween. Attendees are invited to stroll the gardens where Villafane’s 3-D characters will be posed. For more information visit carefree.org or call 480-488-3686.

The Grand Opening on Friday, October 16, will take place all day from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Villafane will host a live pumpkin carving demonstration in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Photo opportunities will be available with “King” Pumpkin, an over 500-pound carved masterpiece, as well as children’s activities, music, and autumnal refreshments.

Other special events throughout the two-week long Enchanted Pumpkin Display include special live carving activities, October 17-18, and October 24-25. There will be Picasso Pumpkin activities for kids, and live carving from Villafane and Villafane Studios. On Halloween, the garden will be open until 10 p.m. with trick or treats and family-friendly activities, costumes encouraged.

Each Villafane sculpture is a model of skillful talent and imagination. There will be over 30 playful characters, artfully imagined and frolicking in their magical village, as well as twelve preserved pumpkins in pickling tanks. The preserved designs will be on display in Saguaros, carved by Villafane, and lit by LED lighting.

Based in Arizona, Ray Villafane is a world-renowned American sculptor who has travelled throughout the globe fashioning exceptional figures and scenes out of pumpkins, sand and snow.

For more information on the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden event visit www.carefree.org or call 480-488-3686. For more information on Ray Villafane and Villafane studios visit www.villafanestudios.com