Not Just for Kids

Carving Clinic
by Lori Sikorski

Welcome to Pumpkin Carving 101! First of all, the rule of thumb is keep it simple. Some of the most loveable grins are toothless. Since the candle's glow is closest to this opening, make it larger than the eyes and nose.

Do pumpkins smell? If left out in warm weather they may become a little pungent. But carving a pumpkin nose is always a must. You can choose a typical nose shape like a triangle, or a shape that matches your pumpkin's eyes.

Your pumpkin's whole expression can change in a wink, but that's up to you. (See the patterns below for some ideas.)

After drawing your pattern on paper, keep your pencil handy. You transfer your design onto the pumpkin by placing the paper over it and pressing a bit harder when tracing around the pattern.

Now let's cut. (Stop! This must be done by an adult! Kids, you should steer clear of the knife.) The top comes first. Make sure the stem is secure. You'll use it to lift the lid.

The next part makes up for the "no knives" rule: removing pumpkin guts. Reach in and scoop out all the stringy slime and seeds. (Don't forget to save the seeds for NBT's great pumpkin seed recipe from last week's Not Just for Kids.)

Now start carving. What does your pumpkin look like? Happy, sad or mad?

And now for light. Forget small tea light candles if you want your jack-o-lantern to glow into the bewitching hours. Choose a larger votive or pillar candle that burns for several hours. Remember: always blow out the candle. Don't leave it to burn itself out.

Too tame? Try Carving Clinic 102. Many stores have kits and patterns for very fancy carving.

Halloween Happenings

Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh My! Oct. 23-24 & 30-31-Trick-or-treat among lions and tigers and bears for Baltimore Zoo's 15th Annual Zoo BOOO! Includes a costume contest and many games. 11-4 @ Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park. $9 w/discounts: 410/366-lion.

Costumed Critters Compete Sun. Oct. 24-Dogs and cats strut their stuff in Kinder Farm Park's Halloween Pet Contest. Compete in 3 categories for scariest, cutest and most original costumes. Sponsored by PetSmart, benefits Love a Pet. 1pm @ Kinder Farm Park, Millersville. $5/pet; rsvp: 410/222-6115.

Pumpkins Aplenty Tue. Oct. 26-Costume or no, join The Great Pumpkin Rumpus, South County Library's annual Halloween party. 7-8pm @ South County Library, Deale. free: 410/222-1925.

Kids' Calendar

Take a Hike Fri. Oct. 22, 6:30pm-Need an idea for your costume? Bring a flashlight to Creatures of the Night evening walk and watch animals of the night come out @ Kinder Farm Park, Millersville. free; rsvp: 410/222-6115.

Sing around the Campfire Sat. Oct. 23, 6:30pm-Join Park Rangers around the campfire to make s'mores and hear campfire tales. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket @ Kinder Farm Park, Millersville. $1; rsvp: 410/222-6115.

Find Piscataway Ghosts Fri. Oct. 22-Hold onto that flashlight! You'll need it for Piscataway Legends Ghost Walk. Discover the remains of a Piscataway Indian village along the Patuxent River and relive stories passed on for generations. 7-9pm @ Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown rsvp: 410/535-5327.

Feet Don't Fail Me Now Sat. Oct. 23, 2-3:30pm-Feet and legs come in all shapes and sizes. See how different creatures get around. Get your own critter around the nature center and see who's the quickest and why @ Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, near Prince Frederick. 410/535-5327.

Mimes Meet Mozart Sun. Oct. 24: 2pm & 3:30pm - In The Listener, Magic Circle Mime Company shows by example how best to be a good listener. Guest conductor Elizabeth Schulze narrates - and Annapolis Symphony Orchestra accompanies - while mimes put on their silent show! Also meet the musicians 1:15pm & 4:30pm @ Maryland Hall, Annapolis. Open to kids ages 4+ & families. $10 w/discounts; rsvp: 210/263-0907.

| Issue 42 |

Volume VII Number 42
October 21-27 1999
New Bay Times

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