NORWICH – In an interview, a local artist who works to provide the, "Wow Factor," at each of Norwich's Pumpkin Festivals discussed his carvings, his inspirations, and his reason for returning to Pumpkin Fest every year.

Riis Gramstad works at GE Aviation and is a six year veteran of 3D pumpkin carving whose main responsibility in Norwich's Pumpkin Festival is to design and build the main display on East Park.

"If you've been to pumpkin fest the last couple years you've probably seen the dragon and the giant spider," said Gramstad. "I designed those displays, carved the details, and with the help of many gracious volunteers, worked to build and bring the rest of those designs to fruition."

Gramstad said besides the main design, he also enjoys live carving under the gazebo with fellow artist Mark Ross, and he has enjoyed the Pumpkin Festival for approximately 20 years.

"For the last 20 years, 5 years short of a quarter century, Pumpkin Fest has been the unofficial end of the season outdoor event downtown, and it's been operated by a small group of volunteers with the sole purpose of providing a free family festival for the community to enjoy," he said. "When you stop to think about the big events that go on in Norwich throughout the year, I guarantee Pumpkin Fest is one of those that instantly comes to mind."

Gramstad said the festival has been wonderful for kids, parents, grandparents, and our community as a whole.

"It's crazy to think about it, but there are young adults living in the area now, originally from here, that don't know a Norwich without Pumpkin Fest as it has been going on since before they were born," he said. "It has made such a positive impact on the community I know a lot of people are going to miss having it. I, for one certainly will."

Gramstad said his early appreciation for pumpkin carving, and then Pumpkin Festive as a whole began after his friend Mark had learned how to carve pumpkins high school art class and convinced him to try it.

"It kind of snowballed from there, and I've been doing it ever since," he said. "I feel that this is important to our area, and if I can volunteer my time and bring something unique to the table to add to it, I'm all for it."