Cream of the Crop 2006:
Amanda Pennell

Professionally photographing over 60 well carved pumpkins will get you noticed. But how about adding orange lights, tombstones, and giant spider webs? Maybe some corn stalks, witches, and fog machines too? And then constructing a Pumpkin King scarecrow to tower over the heavenly haunted yard? Yes, that's one way to win the Cream of the Crop prize.

"I need to extend a big thank you to all my friends and family for their help and tolerance of my Halloween obsession, and a big thanks to Darrell Snedecor, (my professional photographer), Kyle Chambers and Kathy Pennell for their wonderful photos."

"My pumpkins came from all over the state of Illinois, including the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL and the G & C Meyer Farm in Steeleville, IL. I carved pumpkins for days, missing several days of work (thanks Darrell!) and much sleep. Carving was much improved this year with use of the Pumpkin Gutter."

"There are over 2000 lights in my display, which took 4 weeks to construct. Lighting, fog and construction are by Kyle Chambers, the most patient man ever created."

"Gizmo was carved by Kyle, and Old Hag is courtesy of my mom, Kathy, who had never carved a pumpkin before in her life."

"Thanks to Ryan for giving the Halloween community the most impressive and fully enjoyable carving stencils available."