Giant Pumpkin Carvers

Operation Pumpkin wouldn’t be complete without the incredible talent of our carving crew. In past festivals, we've had carvers ranging from seasoned champions to first-time competitors. Regardless these artists transform giant pumpkins into jaw-dropping works of art.

Each carver brings a unique style, story, and passion to the festival—and together, they help make Operation Pumpkin one of the most unforgettable events of the season.

William E. Wilson, owner & Artist of Wicked Designz, will host his 4th event at Operation Pumpkin.

Meet The Carvers:

Jamie Louks

Jamie Louks is a Seattle based artist and 'Jane of all trades'. This is her second year joining Operation Pumpkin and she is excited to be back! She is an experienced tv competitor with appearances on Halloween Wars (4 seasons!), Baketopia, Harry Potter Wizards of Baking, Sugar Showdown, and Bake Master Battle. After a long career as a Pastry Chef, her focus now is primarily on stained glass and carving various mediums, but she is also a proficient painter, sculptor, foam carver, fiber artist, etc. If you can name it, she can do it (or is ready to learn!)

Patrick Cabanaugh

Patrick Cavanaugh. Self taught artist from Hamburg,NY.First time at Operation Pumpkin. I enjoy interacting with people while creating ephemeral art forms such as pumpkin carving and chalk street art.But if you would like to tweak it I trust your judgement.

Drew Smith

My name is Drew Smith, This will be my fourth time at operation pumpkin. My favorite place to be it's becoming a home away from home! I've been carving pumpkins 2018. I've also been on the 13th season of Halloween Wars! My wife and I have 3 kids and they keep us busy, and we couldn't ask for it any other way

Pheomie Demoi

HI, my name is Phe. I am a pumpkin carver and I reside in Hamilton. Not only do I carve pumpkins, but I also work with clay and do a lot of painting art.  I’ve been apart of OP for 3yrs.

Tator Edwards

I've appeared on Halloween Wars seasons 7 and 9 as well as the current Allstars season 16. I have also appeared on Outrageous Pumpkins season 3 and the Allstars season 5. Another appearance was on Disney+ On FoodTastics Lion King episode and the Muppets Holiday episode!  However most importantly I'm a Chef, Food Trucker, Carver, and Father to 3 Beautiful Children and a Husband to an amazing wife!

Shannon Gerasimchik

Shannon Gerasimchik is a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and accomplished pumpkin, ice, and foam sculptor from Lima, Ohio. He gained national recognition as a competitor and finalist on Food Network’s Halloween Wars, Season 7, where he competed as the pumpkin carver for Team Morbid Masterminds. As the owner of Lima Social House and ABS Studio, Shannon combines his passion for creativity, craftsmanship, food, and community to create memorable experiences. Through ABS Studio, he specializes in large-scale carving and sculpture, transforming pumpkins, ice, and foam into impressive works of art that captivate audiences. His work has become a way to bring people together, showcase the art of carving, and add something truly unique to festivals and events throughout the country. Whether he’s creating a massive sculpture or building an experience at Lima Social House, Shannon is driven by the same passion, to create something people will remember long after they’ve seen it.

Titus Arensberg

Titus Arensberg is a professional pumpkin and ice carver from Newark, Ohio. With over 20 years of experience as a professional food artist, 2026 will be his 12th year carving pumpkins at Operation Pumpkin!!

Rebecca DeGroot

I live in Spring, Texas just north of Houston.  This will be my first year doing operation pumpkin. I’ve been on season 4 and 5 of outrageous pumpkins and season 15 and soon to be 16 of Halloween wars. I was a high school art teacher for nine years, but now I work full time as a tattoo artist. I am a professional woodturner and woodturning demonstrator and I carve pumpkins seasonally and for the shows I’ve been on.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller, from Stonewall, Oklaoma, is a Food Network Champion from Halloween Wars and an All Star from Outrageous Pumpkins, as well as nationally recognized chainsaw artist.  Art has been Daniel’s life from day one. Raised by a mother with her Masters in Art, he grew up with a brush, chisel or torch in hand, exploring every medium he could get his hands on.  Known for his speed, detail, and over the top creativity, Daniel brings a mix of showmanship and skill to every live carve. This will be Daniel’s 3^rd Year at Operation Pumpkin.

Liza Barker

Liza Barker is a nationally recognized sculptor and pumpkin artist based in Nashville, Tennessee area. Working in a variety of sculptural mediums- including pumpkins, wood, clay and eggs. She is known for creating detailed three dimensional works through carving and sculpting. Liza’s work has been featud on Food Network’s Halloween Wars and Outrageous Pumpkin, as well as Disney + Best in Snow. She has also shared her craft through local television appearances, live demonstrations, and sculpting workshops at Nashville’s Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. This year will be Liza’s 4^th year at Operation Pumpkin.

William Wilson

William is a Master Pumpkin Carver from Fairfield, Ohio, with more than 15 years of carving experience. His incredible talent has been featured on Outrageous Pumpkins Seasons 2 and 5, Disney+’s Best in Snow, and Halloween Wars Seasons 12 and 16.

William’s artistry goes beyond pumpkins—he also works with ice and snow. His team placed 5th in the world at the Ice Alaska competition, showcasing his talent on an international stage. This year marks William’s 11th year at Operation Pumpkin, where he continues to bring creativity, skill, and larger-than-life designs to the event.

David Smith

DAVID "PABLO" SMITH Owner of Frost Lion Ice Plus , in Columbus, Oh and the city he calls home. David has appeared on Halloween Wars Season 3, 15 , and 16. As well as Christmas Cake Wars Season 1, Outrageous Pumpkins Season 1 and Allstars Season. David's team won Halloween Wars Hayride of Horror. A 4 time World Ice Carving Champion and is joining Operation Pumpkin for his 4th year in a row.