Last night I attended a pumpkin carving party and contest hosted by Silver Cloud with a group of four friends, and it was down right smashing! Upon our tardy arrival, the host and judge informed us that they were out of pumpkins. However, when my over-enthusiastic company suggested that we snipe the pumpkins adorning the windowsills and bar area, the guy could not have been more accommodating. After a few cocktails at the bar (there were Halloween inspired ‘tinis and the like, but we kept it simple – shame on us) we were set up with a large table in the back, three glorious pumpkins, and multiple carving sets. The soundtrack ranged from old school Bowie to the Golden Girls theme song and the wait staff was just as playful as the contestants. The whole group agreed it was a great change of pace, and the spirited, rowdy patrons around us seemed to agree! The judge based the scoring on creativity, difficulty, and team attitude and announced the victors standing on top of the bar with a Halloween king crown on. Runners up included a Chicago skyline pumpkin and an owl carving, while the $50 bar tab grand prize went to the “Olympics Fail” pumpkin. Overall it was a fun filled, economical night, even though my Little Duckling carving didn’t make the grade. The Bucktown watering hole, famous for having the best Bloody Mary’s in town, will be hosting another contest on October 20th. I suggest you do some forearm workouts in the meantime and get there by 9 p.m., as all extra pumpkins seem to have been pillaged by a group of remiss stragglers…
October 20th 9 p.m.
Silver Cloud
1700 N. Damen Ave.
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