In 2004 I was visited by a local newspaper reporter, and it happened again in 2005. When the article came out, it was part of a larger story on pumpkin carving and decorating. Below is just the part about my carvings.

2005 Media Coverage

Carving into Halloween
Permenent glow
By: Jessie Waldheim

Beloiter Marc VanderPal Has some experience carving pumpkins as well. About five years ago he began carving in earnest and is now well-known to the locals for his yearly front-yard display cases full of glowing jack-o-lanterns.
Although he used traditional pumpkins the first year, was upset when his creations rotted. So VanderPal began carving his designs into foam pumpkins.
The material has its pros and cons.
"You don't have the pulpy mess, but it does create a lot of dust," VanderPal said.
Although the foam won't hold a candle, it will hold lights. VanderPal adds a hole in the back of the pumpkins for electrical chord access and different colored lights can be used. Purple is a favorite of his.
"That's something to see," he said. "It takes it to another dimension after that."
For the last three years he has had a Web site, at www.Jack-O-Patterns.com, offering designs and pumpkins for sale. He has sold his creations in several states in the U.S. and in Austria, Belgium, and Ireland.
Requests for patterns and carving have run the gamut. People have purchased patterns or pumpkins depicting their pastors, hot rod cars, favorite Disney characters as well as the traditional Halloween spooky images. His strangest request this year? - A chicken.
Although VanderPal receives requests all year long, most of his orders come in around Halloween. He's trying to encourage people to order early, so he has a chance to fill those orders before Halloween.
His latest project will use five pumpkins to depict "The Last Supper." It's not a project requested by any one. Rather the pumpkin mural is something VanderPal wanted to do for himself.
"I always try to do something with a Christian theme," VanderPal said.
VanderPal's carved pumpkins cost $65 for pre-designed pattern and $75 for a custom creation. Custom patterns alone sell for $20.
He is working diligently in late September to have his yearly display of pumpkins set up at his 829 Bluff St. home by October 1. He doesn't mind if people stop to look and even hopes some will put a few ideas for next year's carving in the suggestion box.
He just asks that people will stay off the front porch; "The view is better from the ground anyway," he said.





2007 Media Coverage