Show off your pumpkin carving chops at Cary's Great Pumpkin Carve

Downtown Cary will host the third annual Great Pumpkin Carve on Saturday. During the event, which runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, families can purchase a pumpkin in the event's patch and then take it to a table to carve. Pumpkins will be on sale for $3 to $5. Carving supplies, ideas and patterns will be supplied for free at each table.

For those tired of the same old pumpkin carving, there also will be two 3D carving classes for adults and teens. No experience is necessary for that one. It's recommended for ages 13 and up, but Sarah Schubert, Cary program specialist who is organizing the event, tells me that parents with younger children take the class and their kids love seeing what they came up with.

Schubert tells me that pre-registration is encouraged for the 3D carving classes, but not required. To register, email Sarah.Schubert@townofcary.org. The classes run about an hour and are free with the purchase of a $5 pumpkin.

Once the pumpkins are carved, the public can enter them in a contest to win a Halloween prize.

The day ends with pumpkin lighting and judging, followed by outdoor screenings of family-friendly Halloween TV specials - “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Casper’s Halloween Special” outdoors. The screenings also are free. Be sure to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on.

6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., Family Friendly Halloween TV Specials