STARworks is harvesting its first crop of unique hand blown glass pumpkins Saturday, Oct. 16, and the public is invited to help, says Nick Fruin, STARworks Glass coordinator.

STARworks first Glass Pumpkin Patch will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hundreds of beautiful one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins nestled in the grassy front lawn of STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise in Star.

"These pumpkins are great decorative pieces for Halloween, Thanksgiving or for year-round," said Fruin. "All are being created by artists at the STARworks Glass Lab."

The pumpkins will come in all sizes and a wide range of beautiful fall colors.

There will also be a special Friday night preview on Oct. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., that will give everyone a chance to check out the pumpkins before Saturday's sale, and plan which one they want to take home with them on Saturday. There will also be glassblowing demonstrations and refreshments.

No admission will be charged, but a suggested donation of $5 will be appreciated.

"All the proceeds go to support the STARworks High School Glass Program," Fruin said.

STARworks Glass is one of only five high school glass programs in the country.

"These students are getting to learn a really unique art form, and we hope it will lead to the growth of a vibrant glass blowing community in the region," Fruin said.

STARworks is located at 100 Russell Drive in Star, just off Interstate 73-74 in northern Montgomery County.

For more information, e-mail nick@starworksnc.org or call (910) 428-9001.