Blaze 2008: Come take a look!
I can hardly believe that a year has gone by so quickly. One of my first postings on this blog, one year ago, was my visit to the Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze held at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. You may recall me describing this event, featuring thousands of hand-carved and illuminated pumpkins. Once again, Michael Natiello is Blaze's creative director and he was so nice to send us these photos of this year’s display. I have not yet been able to get there, myself. I’ve been busy traveling around the country attending book signings for my latest book, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons for the Home Cook." I will, however, make a concerted effort to see this year’s blaze before Halloween night! Thanks Michael, for sharing these great photos and please, everyone, have a look.
Last Year's Blaze on "The Martha Stewart Show"!
I hope you get to go again this year Martha. We used to have a pumpkin farm here for all the kids to attend each year since I can remember, but the owners passed away and nobody took it over after they died so a wonderful long tradition died with them in our community.
Good you still have this neat festival to attend in your area.
Looks like a lot of fun, do folks show up in costumes?
Need to check out the video and refresh my memory on what you featured on the show last year.
Happy Halloween and BOO!
Pam from California
http://www.myspace.com/marthastewartsplace
Posted by: Pam from California | October 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Amazing pumpkins!
My teens are so excited to carve our pumpkins this week!
Thank you for all the great inspiring ideas Martha!
Happy Halloween:)
KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | October 27th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
That video is fascinating!
Posted by: Gene | October 27th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Oh my, 40,000 pumpkins is a lot of pumpkins to hand carve. That is extraordinary and must be spectaculor to see. A work of art.
I only wish we in Australia celebrated Halloween .....for the candy if nothing else.....
Posted by: Lilly | October 27th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
This is exactly why I love Halloween so much!!
Posted by: porter | October 28th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Hi Martha!
I am tagging you! I hope you will play?!
The rules are on my blog, just in case you don't know them...
Maria Grimes
http://www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maria Grimes | October 28th, 2008 at 4:16 am
That is spectacular!!! Love the lattice carved pumpkin. Simply stuning.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las vegas | October 28th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Most definitely a work of art! I have such admiration for people such as Michael Natiello and of course all of his talented carvers. The one lady stated that she alone would probably carve 1200 pumpkins during that event! My hands would be so sore. Thanks so much for the pictures since I won't be seeing that amazing sight in person, and also for your great fun blogs all year long. I guess time does fly when you're/we’re having fun! It is hard to believe a year as gone by since you started blogging! Trish
Posted by: Trish | October 28th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Always inspiring! The Pumpkin carving show is one of my all time favorites and very timely too!
Posted by: Melissa | October 28th, 2008 at 5:10 am
So cool! I'm always amazed at how creative people are. Well, other people, I'm still working on my creativity.
Tabitha @ http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | October 28th, 2008 at 5:14 am
What a fantastic sight! I bet it would be great to be there in person. I wish I wasn't stuck moving on Halloween. Maybe I'll still be able to get some of the holiday fun in at the last minute.
I finally picked up the new book! I am enjoying learning all of the proper names for utensils and which pan is which
Posted by: Kari | October 28th, 2008 at 5:48 am
It was fun today to go back to last year's blog and read it, and see what I missed, since I've been posting on and following your blog only since late spring/early summer of this year. (I hope you're getting to know me! =^..^= ) Some current fellow-bloggers are still hangin' in there, as they were found on last year's blog! I have to reiterate once again the camraderie (and fun!) your blog invokes, Martha! It's now part of my daily routine!
I unfortunately am not a Halloween celebrant (I prefer more a harvest theme with colorful leaves, pumpkins, gourds, etc. - that can carry then over into November, decorating-wise.) It was good for me to see the "daytime" pictures - the behind-the-scenes backdrop to the nighttime displays at Blaze. The resources are phenomenal - both in the number of pumpkins needed, AND the manpower! I kind of equivocate Blaze with (my) nearby Antietam Battlefield (Sharpsburg, MD) - approximately 23,000 luminaires are lit on the battlefield, each commemorating the Federal (northern) soldier casualties of this battle. Blaze, I'm sure, comes "alive" at dusk, just like Antietam does! Van Cortlandt, too, looks like it would be an interesting place to visit, one rich in history!
It might be tough, but I'm sure you'll try to take in this fun annual event this year!
Love always, Martha,
=^..^=
p.s. I meant to mention yesterday that you were in Parade magazine in our Sunday newspaper this past Sunday. I AM bragging to tout that I knew most everything in the article, simply from being your (undying/loyal/avid/sometimes-goofy-but-it's-all-good/epistle-writing) fan!
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | October 28th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Hi Martha,
I read your blog daily and I enjoy reading each and everyone. I do miss reading and see pictures of your two dogs. Did you ever choose a puppy? Please post some soon.
Linda From Maine
Posted by: Linda Gordon | October 28th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Hi Martha, It's hard to believe that it has been a year since you started this magnificent blog on your fabulous website. I love that you keep the archives available, because I really enjoy reading your posts over and over. I love the photos and video of the Blaze from this year's show and last year's. It's like getting the free ticket to tour the Blaze show. You are the most thoughtful, generous person I've ever known. Thanks so much for all you do for us. Take care and hug all of your wonderful pets for me. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | October 28th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi Martha! Speaking of Halloween..... I am a grandmother raising 3 of my grandchildren. I have been to Michael's Craft store in search of your gooey edge punch. Everytime I go they are sold out! I was told today they were a seasonal item and would not be in stock. How can I get one! Halloween is Friday. Help! We do a big family gathering for Halloween with a group photo. It has become a tradition.
Posted by: Nanette | October 28th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Happy Halloween Martha!
SpOOky Regards,
)
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Klingler | October 28th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hi Martha
I love the Halloween pics
I just wanted to send you a little story
My 5 year old daughter Lotte has started to make our salads for dinner each night.Lotte is so proud of her efforts and last night I was telling her what a wonderful job she had done,she had made a salad man with eyes made of strawberries she had picked from our garden.Lotte was so proud of herself and said "Yes, I think Martha would really like this". I thought it would make you smile to know a little 5 year old on the other side of the world is proudly following your example.
We love your show and magazines.
Anita and Lotte , Australia
Posted by: Anita Jones | October 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Absolutely amazing! I'm always in awe over the skills some people have with pumpkin carving! It's definitely an art!
~melody~
Posted by: Melody from ~Pennies In My Pocket~ | October 28th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Thats very cool!
Posted by: Stephanie | October 28th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Great photos, Martha!
Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.
My son and daughter-in-law have held a pumpkin contest for the past 10 years. Each year family and friends are invited to choose their favorite pumpkin and I would like to invite you to participate and leave them a message.
http://brownspumpkincontest.blogspot.com
They were married a year ago and I would like to share a few photos of them on their important day.
http://www.downeastvintage.com/bride/DAV_8213.JPG
http://www.downeastvintage.com/bride/DSC05419.JPG
http://www.downeastvintage.com/bride/DSC05420.JPG
Gloria Brown
Winterport, ME
Posted by: Gloria Brown, WINTERPORT, MAINE | October 28th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
.
Popping Pumpkins Prancing Proudly, Wicked Witches Wary Watching . . .
Be there for sure . . . an annual pilgrimage to perhaps celebrate your blog's first tale . . . carried to us all on the wings of your favorite holiday!!
Also, I just thought I'd let someone know that my comments are being published INSTANTANEOUSLY after I press 'submit'. Then there appears a tag above my message noting that said comment is awaiting moderation!
It's a good thing that I'm not prone to roasting you as you had to roast Matt Lauer !
Unmoderated AJS and the Weims
.
Posted by: andrea and the weimaraners | October 29th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Martha love the show at your halloween party! My daughter is getting married next halloween and I saw for a fast few seconds about a feather pen to sign the guest book with. Can you please let us know again how to make one? thanks a bunch and loved the party!
Loved the decorations!
thanks a bunch!
Erin in Kansas
Posted by: Erin Breth | October 29th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Speaking of carved pumpkins, I made one in your likeness. . I hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for all the inspiration!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25653675@N00/2985487931/
Posted by: Sunshyne | October 29th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN MARTHA!
Here are some 'favors' for your next party--
PARTY TITLE
The Conjuring . . . . .
up out of the crypt
BANNERS
Flaunting Frightfuls Flinging Froutly. . . Scalding Scaries Scorching Screamers . . .
CALL TO DINE
Scurvy Knaves, Grotesques and Goblins Alike! Come Drink of our Venom!
HOSTESS-- Live Ancestor
AVAILABLE HANDWRITTEN TALES TO TELL
Hear the Tale of the Goat-Footed Balloon Woman!
Ride the Bedford Carriage to Chief Katonah's Graveyard and Lay Down Your Woes There -- One by One.
Follow the Tell-Tale Heart into the Woods. Crown Yourself with the Full Moon's Luster if You Return Unscathed!
INVITATIONS
. . . a gravestone the size of a mouse. It's dripping with blood as you force it into an envelope. The gravel torn from it by the scratching of time's nails, grates against ears -- from inside of the sealed . . . shut . . . envelope.
THIS . . .
is just
the beginning~~~~~~~~
HAVE A WONDERFUL!
Andreazilla and the 6 Grey Ghouls
.
Posted by: andrea and the weimaraners | October 30th, 2008 at 4:35 am
We were at the BLAZE this year, and it was AMAZING! I think my favorites were the celtic knot carvings and the pirates. It was just awesome to be there. Did you happen to notice the pumpkins at the end of the trail on the way out?
6,009
6,010
6,011
6,012
and counting....
I thought that was really a great little addition.
Posted by: Jenn | November 11th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I live in Wilmington, N.C. and we have one of, the if not thee, largest garden club in the country with 350 members. This past year we have started doing a pre-meeting demo for flower arranging. I have volunteered to do the late September meeting. I have searched all over your website and blog, I've concidered doing the pumpkin cat or snail that you featured a few years back but I really should do something with flowers. Any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate your help.
Posted by: Goldie Stetten | July 22nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm