As Americans across the country gear up for Halloween, a town in New Mexico is taking the holiday to a whole new level: On October 26, 2019, at 3:00 p.m MDT, approximately 1,300 residents throughout the state will gather in Los Alamos to attempt to smash the Guinness World Book of Records for most people carving pumpkins simultaneously.
The event, organized by the Los Alamos Arts Council, a local nonprofit organization, aims to celebrate the state’s diverse community and encourage a sense of togetherness by holding what could be the world’s biggest pumpkin carving party. The previous 2013 world record of 1,060 people carving pumpkins simultaneously is held by the neighboring New Mexico town of Rio Rancho.
“We’ve all heard about smashing pumpkins, but we’re attempting to smash the world record and carve out a moment in history by joining together with our friends, families and neighbors across the great state of New Mexico and enjoy a super fun afternoon of pumpkin carving,” said Steve Bublitz, a representative of the Los Alamos Arts Council and the Master of the Pumpkin Carving Ceremonies.
The event is being made possible in part thanks to the generous donation of 1,400 pumpkin carving kits from Pumpkin Masters. Pumpkin Masters is the original pumpkin carving kit that has been helping millions of Americans transform ordinary pumpkins into amazing masterpieces for over 30 years. The All in One Kit, which the residents of New Mexico will be using in their attempt for the world record, has everything you need to carve the perfect pumpkin from awesome designs, easy to follow instructions and specially made tools – all in an easy, fun, and safe way! Pumpkin masters will also be giving away 1,400 free battery-operated Flickering Tealights, which will enable each participant to light up their carved pumpkin safely.
Later that evening, the Los Alamos Arts Council’s annual Pumpkin Glow event will be held from 6 pm to 9 pm MDT, where participants will drop off their carved pumpkins in the afternoon and return after dark to view a multitude of glowing gourds.
Tickets for the world record attempt are available for purchase in person at CB Fox, at 1735 Central Avenue, or the Los Alamos Arts Council (LAAC) Office, on the second floor of Fuller Lodge, for $5.00 (cash or check). Ticket cost includes a 24+ pound pumpkin (to take home after the Pumpkin Glow) a wristband, and a complimentary Pumpkin Masters Carving Kit. A New Mexico driver’s license or military card of service in New Mexico will be requested for ticket purchases.
