Annual Pumpkin Walk promises 'spooktacular' good time
Whether you’re a crafty carver or just enjoy viewing an array of pumpkin designs in all their ‘spooktacular’ splendor - nothing conjures up that frightfully fun Halloween spirit better than the Annual Daniel Island Pumpkin Walk.
The 2016 event will take place this Saturday, October 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Smythe Park. According to Pumpkin Walk Coordinator Becky Howard, more than 300 illuminated jack o-lanterns will be displayed along the park path. In addition, there will be vendors on hand selling food and beverages, as well as fire pits, staffed by Daniel Island Boy Scout Troop 519, for making s’mores.
“We hope this encourages more people to bring chairs and blankets and share some time with their neighbors,” said Howard. “…It’s been going on for over a decade. It’s a great place to meet neighbors and kick off the holiday season.”
All pumpkins on display are donated. Community members can drop off carved pumpkins between 12 and 3 p.m. at Smythe Park on Saturday. In addition, a carving session will be held on Friday, October 21, at Pierce Park Pavilion (bring your own pumpkin and tools). This year, organizers are requiring all pumpkins be lit with LED tealights, rather than candles.
“It’s all up to the community to make this work,” added Howard. “Without their pumpkins being delivered we don’t have an event… (or) Just pop in with your pumpkins and tools and carve using the space provided by the POA!”
Howard commended those who have already stepped up to help.
“I want to recognize the great group of volunteers this year,” she said. “(It’s more) than last year and we work - and donate our own funds - to make this successful. Also the POA has stepped in just as they did last year and donated many of the necessities of the event.”
Although the Pumpkin Walk is no longer a fundraiser for the Daniel Island School PTA, the DIS band students will be staffing a bake sale to support their program. For additional information, or to sign on as a volunteer for the event, please email Howard at beck.m.howard@gmail.com.
GET THE SCOOP ON THE PUMPKIN WALK!
Pumpkin Carving Party
Friday, October 21 6 to 9 p.m.
Pierce Park Pavilion
*This is a BYOP (bring your own pumpkin and tools) event!
You can leave your finished pumpkin with volunteers.
Drop-off carved pumpkins
Saturday, October 22
12 to 3 p.m.
Smythe Park
*All pumpkins must have an LED-style tealight (battery operated). Blankets for post-walk picnic may also be placed at this time!
Pumpkin Walk!
Saturday, October 22
6 to 9 p.m. Smythe Park
*Stroll the paths of Smythe Park, beginning at the entrance on the corner of Daniel Island Drive and Purcell Street, to enjoy an array of jack o’lanterns and luminaries (provided by Daniel Island Dentistry). Food vendors will be on hand, as well as fire pits for roasting s’mores. At 9 p.m., donated pumpkins may be picked up. Others will be discarded or donated.