The Autumn Jubilee has announced that award-winning pumpkin carver and “Outrageous Pumpkins” judge Deane Arnold will be attending the upcoming festival. 

The event, which celebrates the best of fall with art, music, and food, will be held on Oct. 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dan Nicholas Park in Rowan County.

Arnold is one of the most recognized and imitated pumpkin artists in the world. He appears as a judge on Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins” television show, where he also works behind the camera as a pumpkin-carving expert and photography consultant. Turn Card Content has designated him as the production company’s “Pumpkin Artist in Residence.” 

Arnold has been instrumental in developing high-profile, pumpkin-themed Halloween events. He has collaborated with a variety of elite artists, and each season has seen increased innovation.

Arnold’s work has been displayed throughout North America. His students include many “Halloween Wars” and “Outrageous Pumpkins” competitors. He enjoys working with all media and especially likes the fact that people have a hard time accepting that his pumpkin carvings all rot away.

The Autumn Jubilee is a free annual festival held at Dan Nicholas Park, located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road and is one of the largest events in the county every year, featuring seasonal activities including craft booths, live entertainment, food trucks and other fun family-friendly activities. For more information about the event, go to www.rowancountync.gov/AutumnJubilee.