It took two days and two trips from Hopewell Township to Lancaster County, Pa. to load all of the pumpkins that will be transformed during the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s “aMAZing Pumpkin Carve” at Howell Living History Farm next weekend. This is a project that requires pumpkins of a generous diameter, and Lancaster County was the place to find them.

Some 40 to 50 artists including Leon Rainbow, Curtis May, Don Campbell, and Caroline Hall will put their skills to work on October 8, completing their carvings in time for a preview party that includes a barbecue dinner, bluegrass music, and desserts. The artists, many of whom participated in HVCC’s “Stampede” public art exhibit last year, can check in as early as 10 a.m. but they have to be finished with their designs by 7:30 p.m. The party starts at 6:30. At the end of it, the pumpkin patch opens. Admission to the fundraiser is $50.

Then on October 9 and 10, the pumpkin extravaganza opens to the public. Immediately adjacent to Howell Farm’s four-acre corn maze, the finished pumpkins will be on display. There will be carving demonstrations and other surprises. Admission is $5; kids aged nine and under get in free.

The pumpkin carve was the idea of Carol Lipson, who is a board member of the Arts Council and chairs this event.

“I used to live outside Philadelphia, and I would always go to something called The Great Pumpkin Carve in Chadds Ford,” she said. “I was always blown away by it. When I came here, I thought it would be wonderful to do, because at Hopewell Valley Arts Council we’re into celebrating art in the everyday. What could be more everyday than people carving their own pumpkins?”

The Howell Farm pumpkin carve follows the model of the Chadds Ford event, but Ms. Lipson and colleagues have added their own touches. “We have our own twist on this,” said Ms. Lipson. “We recognize that artists always get asked to donate their time. So we are paying our artists to carve. We’re really proud of them. It’s not huge — $250. But it’s an acknowledgment of what they bring to the table.”

The other difference has to do with parameters. “Events like this tend to be really strict, but we’re giving the artists a lot of leeway,” she continued. “We’re letting them incorporate multiple pumpkins, or do just about anything with their designs, as long as they use natural materials to cover up things like metal. Designs can be four feet high and four feet wide.”

As for what the artists are planning, “It’s a big secret,” Ms. Lipson said. “We had some guidelines — nothing sexual or political. This is a family event.”

In addition to the artists, some representatives from such area non-profit groups such as Eden Autism and Christine’s Hope for Kids will be carving pumpkins. Any non-profit group that participates by providing a carver will get a $250 donation from the Arts Council. “We really wanted to bring this into the community, and this will help drive tickets sales as well,” Ms. Lipson said.

Howell Farm’s corn maze is the longest-running of its kind in New Jersey. “The Mercer County Park Commission was looking for something new there, because they have been doing the maze for 17 years,” Ms. Lipson said. “It has been great to work with them. They have been really supportive. It’s been a wonderful teaming up. So we’re hoping to keep it going in the future, maybe with other events like a carnival or ice festival. They see this as a way to bring more people in, so it’s kind of a win-win for everyone.”

Howell Farm is located at 70 Woodens Lane in Lambertville. For more information about the event, visit www.hvartscouncil.org, www.cornmazenj.com, or www.mercercountyparks.org.