The Pumpkins Are Coming!

The tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns originated in Scotland and Ireland, where people carved turnips to ward off evil spirits. In the United States, jack-o-lanterns were first used as festive decorations at Thanksgiving, and eventually became part of the Halloween tradition.

On Saturday, October 13th, the tradition continues at the 10th Annual Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour. Join us from 4:30 to 9pm for a dazzling variety of displays by area schools, community groups, artists and the general public. There are 50 displays available for a $75 donation. Each display should include at least 20 pumpkins, and all displays will be shown on a trail map given to each event goer. Many businesses and families will have carving parties in the days leading up to the Pumpkin Tour. Displays must be reserved by Monday, October 8th. Forms are available on the Ballard Park website . Pumpkins must be dropped off at Ballard Park on Saturday, October 13th between the hours of 11am and 2pm.

Sponsorships are still available. The purchase of sponsorships offsets the cost of pumpkins for area schools and community groups, as well as LED lights, flashlights and police details. Sponsorship forms can also be found on the Ballard Park website , and must be secured by September 30th to be included in the invitations sent to over 500 families on and around Aquidneck Island.

To help the event run smoothly, Friends of Ballard Park need as many volunteers as possible! There are three days of volunteer opportunities, all of which can be used for community service. Following are the dates and times when volunteers are needed:

• Friday, October 12th, 8am to 1:45pm- Scoop out pumpkins
• Saturday, October 13th, 10am to 9:30pm- Receiving and setting up pumpkin displays, putting lights in pumpkins, greeting event goers and monitoring trails
• Sunday, October 14th, 10am to noon- Clean up pumpkins

If you plan to volunteer on Saturday, we ask that you commit to at least a three hour time slot. The Pumpkin Tour will be held rain or shine. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, as trails may be muddy, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty (sweatshirt, jeans, etc.). If volunteering in the evening, wear an additional layer. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail events@ballardpark.org.

The 10th Annual Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour is free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed and appreciated!

REMINDER: Ballard Park is a smoke-free environment.