either free-hand or with a stencil, draw a rectangle shape that is just slightly smaller in height than your cocktail sticks. Use a sharp-pointed knife, or the piercing tool from a pumpkin ...
See for yourself at Pumpkitecture! Come witness architects live-carve extraordinary structures and vote for the People’s Pumpkin! The carving will commence at 6:15 and will run through 7:30.