Jack-O'-Lantern Jamboree

Partygoers carve out fun at an annual harvest bash in Madison.

- Kelli Bozeman

When Andrea Lorenz was growing up, Halloween was a time for making special memories. “I had the best time working on my costume all month with my parents,” she recalls. “I loved going to the pumpkin patch with them to pick out the best pumpkin.”

But five years ago, Andrea had a thought that haunted her. How long had it been since she and her husband Joshua had actually sat down and carved a pumpkin? Way too long, they quickly realized.

“We thought that maybe others felt the same way,” recalls Andrea. “So we picked a weekend close to Halloween and started to call friends to see if they were interested in joining us.”

That first informal gathering at the Lorenz home in Madison has since evolved into a neighborhood tradition— a pumpkin-carving party complete with ghoulish decorations and seasonal snacks. But this party is BYOP—bring your own pumpkin. In the midst of all the fun and fellowship, guests are here to create some seriously sharp designs.

Andrea and Joshua begin their plans for each year’s bash several weeks in advance, poring over Pinterest and scouting for clever recipes. “We do all the decorations ourselves,” Andrea says. “Each year we try to add one big new decoration.”

Since the event began as a throwback to childhood, it’s only fitting that the couple uses a vintage Halloween theme. Orange, black, and white make up the party palette, and Andrea enjoys placing small Halloween details all around the house.