November 11, 2004


New Almaden’s Bob DeHerrera sacrifices birthday glory for goodwill

Pumpkin per year holds tradition

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Once just a creative approach to sharing the birthday spotlight with ravenous trick-or-treaters, New Almaden’s Bob DeHerrera’s jack-o’-lantern per year-old display has morphed into a multi-level production line. Turning 50 on Oct. 31, DeHerrera—hands-a-blazin’—carved 50 pumpkins in celebration of his 50th Halloween.

The De Herrera family was buzzing Sunday afternoon as they raced to put the final touches into place for their display. Shown from L-R, Bob De Herrera, son Lindsey, Father-in-law Dr. O. B. Lindsey, and grandchildren Kevin (7), Bobby III (10) and Alyse (6). Photo by Kymberli W. Brady.

An off-and-on tradition for more than 25 years, pumpkin production this year demanded the service of two sons, three grandchildren, DeHerrera’s wife, Caryl, and approximately one dozen neighborhood kids who traipsed in and out through the DeHerrera’s plant facility, a magnificently scaped house overlooking Casa Grande on Almaden Road. DeHerrera is a building contractor, specializing in concrete, a boon to personal home improvement.

“I don’t like the attention on my birthday,” asserted DeHerrera late Sunday. “It’s more for the kids. They seem to enjoy it and the neighborhood likes the display.”

Of the 50 fiery personalities, including several exaggerated depictions of Sen. John Kerry and President George W. Bush, one stood out in particular. A message to the Teel family, who lost two sons on October in a horrible and tragic automobile accident stated “We love the Teels.”

“With the Teel pumpkin, we were just trying to show some respect for them,” commented DeHerrera. “We are trying to support them as much as we can right now. Our families have been close for a long time, so they know it already, whether it’s on the pumpkin or not, but everything helps.”

As for his big birthday DeHerrera exclaims, “This was the big one. I figure I’m on top of the mountain. I’ve reached my peak and am looking forward to change on the second half.”

Collectively, 50 pumpkins take 16 hours to carve assuming a crew of 19 is willing to work most of the weekend for wages of margaritas, burritos, pie and pumpkinseeds.

Said laborer Chad DeHerrera, youngest son of Bob and veteran carve-hand: “We’re probably more into it now than ever. If you take the time and concentrate, you can create rather intricate designs. On a couple we even took out the router to get details right.”

Said father Bob at 8 p.m. Sunday evening [culminating an event that began Saturday morning]: “I don’t think we’ll do it next year. Well, maybe a few…if the kids want to.”

Said wife Caryl with a knowing smile: “His heart’s bigger than his pocketbook.”