The Great Pumpkin Hunt

Times Reporter 

 

The Youth Club of Strathmore and Strathmore FCSS are bringing the first annual Great Pumpkin Hunt to Kinsmen Park on Oct. 26.  From 2-4 p.m., at a cost of $5 per child, families can hunt for a pumpkin.

“I find Halloween is a big holiday, if you want to call it that, for kids so it just adds a little bit more excitement and it’s just something different to do for the kids in Strathmore,” said Catherine Walsh, FCSS coordinator. 

“On Oct. 26, they can come find their pumpkin in Kinsmen Park and then they will have an opportunity to carve it if they want, and have hot chocolate and goodies.”

For the Youth Club, it was an easy decision to be involved. 

“Our reason for doing this is we thought this would be an excellent opportunity for us to collaborate with the town and FCSS to provide some family fun events. Part of our mandate is to support children, youth and families in our community through affordable programming; we are always looking for new ways to do this,” said Shannon Zieman, program director for the Youth Club.   

“These events not only provide families with a fun activity, but we are utilizing adult and youth volunteers in the set-up, delivery and take down for each event.” 

While many people enjoy their jack-o-lanterns leading up to Halloween, once Nov. 1 rolls around, there is no longer a use for them. That’s why the Youth Club and FCSS have also partnered to host the first Pumpkins in the Park event. 

“On Nov. 1 we’re asking that (people) bring carved pumpkins and drop them off at Kinsmen Park. We’ll have a designated area at Kinsmen Park for drop off anytime before 4 p.m. We will get some volunteers together and we’re going to set them up around the walking path,” said Walsh. 

The jack-o-lanterns will then be lit for people to enjoy, and there will again be hot chocolate and goodies for anyone who comes out. 

“It encourages people to do something with their carved pumpkin because most of the time people just throw them out. That’s eventually what we’ll do as well, but it allows residents to put them on display. Some people are really crafty and artistic and (people will) have a chance to walk around the park and see the different carvings,” said Walsh. 

“It really is a way to include everyone and have fun doing it. I’m hoping these (events) are the start of a trend. Hopefully we can work together to put on more events and programs that will be accessible to all,” said Zieman. 

During the Nov. 1 event, people are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, an unwrapped toy or a cash donation for the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper Society. 

The Youth Club of Strathmore is always looking for suggestion of programs or activities people would like to see, or new event ideas. Anyone with suggestions or questions can email the club at info@youthclubofstrathmore.ca.

Volunteers are needed for the Pumpkins in the Park event. Anyone wishing to help out can contact Dahrlyne Knaus at 403-934-9090.