October 10 -31, 2020
Pumpkins arrive Saturday October 10 at 9:00 am. We need helpers to off load our pumpkins.
Please sign up for a shift in the main hallway or call the church office, 407.352.8664, and leave a message if you would like to serve a shift in the Pumpkin Patch. We would be delighted to schedule you.
Our Pumpkin Patch opens Saturday October 10 at 1:00 pm, and runs through October 31.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday ~ Thursday ~ 1:00 pm-7:00 pm
Friday ~ 1:00 pm-9:00 pm
Saturday ~ 10:00 am-8:00 pm
Trunk or Treat is Saturday, October 31, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Preserving your carved pumpkin
While everyone wants their jack ‘o’ lantern to add a spooky touch their Halloween display, no one’s a fan of the rot and creepy crawlies they often bring with them. Keep your pumpkin in mint condition for two weeks or longer by adding these simple steps to your carving routine.
1. Choose the perfect pumpkin: Start your search for a prize-worthy pumpkin by heading out to a local patch; the pumpkins there will always be fresher than ones loaded onto a truck and imported from elsewhere. Before making your pick, inspect the squash for blemishes and indents that could invite rot, mold, or fruit flies. Pick a firm pumpkin with even coloring.
2. Prep your pumpkin for carving: Clean your pumpkin with water to eliminate dirt and pests. Begin carving as usual by creating a hole at the top of your pumpkin and scraping out all of its pulp. This step is essential: The drier the interior, the slower your pumpkin will decompose. Before carving the face of your jack ‘o’ lantern, rinse your pumpkin again using peppermint dish soap and water. The peppermint will act as a mild anti-fungal for your pumpkin’s newly exposed interior. Try one of these pumpkin carving stencils to make the job easier.
3. Soak your masterpiece in bleach: Once you’ve finished carving, soak your jack ‘o’ lantern in bleach. This will act as an antimicrobial and keep the design on your pumpkin looking firm and fresh. Simply mix three teaspoons regular bleach into three gallons of water. Immerse the pumpkin for one hour and air dry upside down for three hours (this will allow excess bleach to drip out, as opposed to pooling at the bottom).
4. Lubricate. Unless you want your pumpkin to look like a shrunken head, you will also need to apply a water-repellent lubricant to the cut areas to keep them from drying out. Petroleum jelly, vegetable oil and even WD-40 work wonders to keep the moisture in and keep your pumpkin looking good.
Want to preserve an uncarved pumpkin? Try shining it with floor wax to keep it looking fresh.
But a word to the wise: If you plan to eat your pumpkin after carving, skip the bleach and use a natural lubricant — like veggie oil or olive oil — instead. Carve the pumpkin close to Halloween so that it won't sit out for too long. And carve away any spots that look moldy before you add it to your recipes.
Display for all to enjoy
While everyone wants their jack ‘o’ lantern to add a spooky touch their Halloween display, no one’s a fan of the rot and creepy crawlies they often bring with them. Keep your pumpkin in mint condition for two weeks or longer by adding these simple steps to your carving routine.
1. Choose the perfect pumpkin: Start your search for a prize-worthy pumpkin by heading out to a local patch; the pumpkins there will always be fresher than ones loaded onto a truck and imported from elsewhere. Before making your pick, inspect the squash for blemishes and indents that could invite rot, mold, or fruit flies. Pick a firm pumpkin with even coloring.
2. Prep your pumpkin for carving: Clean your pumpkin with water to eliminate dirt and pests. Begin carving as usual by creating a hole at the top of your pumpkin and scraping out all of its pulp. This step is essential: The drier the interior, the slower your pumpkin will decompose. Before carving the face of your jack ‘o’ lantern, rinse your pumpkin again using peppermint dish soap and water. The peppermint will act as a mild anti-fungal for your pumpkin’s newly exposed interior. Try one of these pumpkin carving stencils to make the job easier.
3. Soak your masterpiece in bleach: Once you’ve finished carving, soak your jack ‘o’ lantern in bleach. This will act as an antimicrobial and keep the design on your pumpkin looking firm and fresh. Simply mix three teaspoons regular bleach into three gallons of water. Immerse the pumpkin for one hour and air dry upside down for three hours (this will allow excess bleach to drip out, as opposed to pooling at the bottom).
4. Lubricate. Unless you want your pumpkin to look like a shrunken head, you will also need to apply a water-repellent lubricant to the cut areas to keep them from drying out. Petroleum jelly, vegetable oil and even WD-40 work wonders to keep the moisture in and keep your pumpkin looking good.
Want to preserve an uncarved pumpkin? Try shining it with floor wax to keep it looking fresh.
But a word to the wise: If you plan to eat your pumpkin after carving, skip the bleach and use a natural lubricant — like veggie oil or olive oil — instead. Carve the pumpkin close to Halloween so that it won't sit out for too long. And carve away any spots that look moldy before you add it to your recipes.
Display for all to enjoy