downtownannapolispartnership.org
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – This year’s artists have been selected to carve the Great Annapolis Pumpkins. “Each of the local and regional artists have their own style,” says 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. "
This year’s carvers include Angelito Baban a world-winning 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.
Eight giant pumpkins in downtown Annapolis and Eastport known as the Great Annapolis Pumpkins will be carved on Friday, October 27th. The pumpkins range in size from 255 pounds to 1,719 pounds. Starting around 10 am artists will arrive to start carving and the public is invited to watch. By sunset, all the pumpkins will be carved and ready for great photo ops. 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 Ave 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 pm until 9 pm featuring a wide 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 pm (reservations recommended).
Erik 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. 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 31st. 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.
