CityView Magazine

32 | October • 2014 sometimes people don't know what they want and I can come up with something for them." Patrick invents many of his own designs, but also looks to the Internet and designs by fellow fruit artists for inspiration. Unlike a traditional jack-o-lantern, in which a design typically involves hollowing out the center of the gourd, Patrick's carvings are only on the sur- face of the pumpkin, so they have the capacity to last longer if proper care is taken to preserve them, which is a sell- ing point in cooler weather. Last year, Patrick carved a pumpkin for his wife, Amanda, a history teach- er at Terry Sanford, in the likeness of Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy, whom she took to school, lasted four weeks and was a great motivator for her students, who were excited to care for the pump- kin. Ensuring carved pumpkins are kept cold and hydrated, easily accom- plished with an occasional spray from a water bottle, are the most important factors in their preservation. Why Pumpkins? While artistic carving in food pres- entation is a relatively new niche in the food service industry, jack-o-lanterns have been casting a spooky glow since the 1660s. Of British origin, folklore suggests that the custom was derived from mischievous young children carv- ing faces on gourds and using them to frighten neighbors late at night. Irish immigrants introduced gourd carving to the United States, where the pumpkin was more plentiful, and the rest is spooky history. One would be hard-pressed to find a more fitting hobby for Patrick, who says of pumpkin carving, "I just really love to freak people out!" CV 3833 Bragg Blvd. • (910) 920-4657 • OPEN Wed thru Fri 10 am - 6 pm and Sat 9am - 5pm Find a bargain on the corner of Bargain St. and Bragg Blvd. FREE PICKUP Appliances • Lighting • Flooring • Furniture Tools & More! Up to 70% below retail cost! Your Home Improvement Discount Store Material Donations and Volunteers Needed! Exclusively featuring Open 7 Days: M-F 8am-10pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm F A Y E T T E V I L L E 2043 Skibo Rd #101 • Fayetteville Pavilion • (910) 864-1500 (910) 864-1500 Open 7 Days: M-F 8am-10pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm 49 99 FAYETTEVILLE 2043 Skibo Rd #101 59 Fayetteville Pavilion

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