October 25th, 4:30-8:30

We are mixing up a few things, and keeping some things the same. The LCA volunteers who plan this shin-dig kindly request this year that each family carve at least one pumpkin. Carve more if you can, as many as you like to make the pumpkin display the biggest and best ever. We have no specific requests of our beloved seniors, simply that they come and enjoy what the party has to offer. If seniors want to contribute by carving a pumpkin…by all means, go for it! The more the better.

Friday, October 24th, the day before the party there will be tables set up on Chestnut Street just below Upland where individuals and families can carve together. (We really are trying to make this easy for you!!) Bring your pumpkins and if possible, bring your tools.

The biggest change to this years’ party is …No Voting! Instead, there will be three grab bag categories: kid pumpkin, youth pumpkin, and family pumpkin. If you bring at least one pumpkin creation you get a grab bag prize. Who knows what your prize will be, could be something silly, delicious, or even valuable! Individual adult carvers will be eligible for the homemade apple pie raffle.

There will be hot cider and warm homemade soups to taste, and baked potatoes with the all the fixin’s to eat. Please sign up to bring a soup, bread, side dish or dessert by going to the LCA website LeedsCivic.org and clicking on the SignUp Genius link. For those who do not have internet access, you may contact Amy Quinn at 413-586-0283.

The kid’s wild and wonderful pumpkin roll will start at 4:30. There will be a prize for both first and second place. Hot food will be available after the pumpkin roll. The grab bags and apple pie raffle will be over by 8:00-ish. Plenty of time for everyone to get a good nights’ sleep!

With a good attitude, carving a pumpkin can be really fun whether you do it alone or with family or friends. We suggest you make an event out of it. Don’t let the potential of making a mess (or mess up) stop you. The clean up can be made easy too, if you lay down several layers of newspaper on your work surface you can just roll it up when done and throw it away or put it in the compost. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative we know you can do this! Don’t forget to bring something to light up your pumpkin at the party! Drop your pumpkins off at the party site between 3:00 and 5:00. Remember to check in, so you can be part of the grab bag and raffle!

Tips for how to get it done 

• Mark OCTOBER 25 on your calendar…NOW! (raindate is October 26th)
• Start thinking about what you might create.
• Go get a pumpkin (or more than one).
• Collect your tools.
• Decide where you will carve.
• Start the night or day before the party.
• Go to the group carving on Oct 24.
• Create your own carving get-together.
• Make the pumpkin carving a family event.

What you will need 

• A posititve attitude
• A pumpkin!
• Idea of what to carve or how to decorate, or… just dig in!

Why you should bring a pumpkin? 

• Because its a pumpkin party!
• Our terrific community has kept this annual party happening for 21 years! The pumpkin YOU bring this year will help the tradition continue.

Tools and supplies: 

• Covering for your work surface
• Crayon to draw shapes + designs
• Wet rag to erase crayon
• Various sized knives for carving
• Big metal spoon to scrape out “pumpkin guts”
• Stuff to attach
• Pins, toothpicks, wire to attach stuff