Many new families have moved to Leeds since the early years of the party and are joining the effort by participating and contributing in some way to this terrific event. Several families from the early days continue to be part of the mix, a few even bring their grandchildren! The pumpkin party is a beloved tradition that kids are sure to bank in their memory forever. It’s always so fun! This is why the LCA does it’s best to keep it going. It’s a party that requires all kinds of things to make it successful: pumpkin entries, food contributions, grills, posters, pumpkin roll pumpkins, music and a great DJ. It takes people to run the pumpkin roll, people to check in pumpkins, vote talliers, prize pie bakers, people to set up lights and tables and take them back down after the four hour party. All of this takes coordination and volunteers. The LCA is pleased to lead this effort and grateful that so many new families and long time residents chip in to make the party a success.

A big thank you goes to Shawn Gunderson for lugging his equipment to the party site and providing music and emceeing for 4 hours, even though he had another gig starting at 8:00! Shawn also put together the unique “Kissing Boo(th) pumpkin entry. Now, that’s party participation!

Thank you to Ian Woglom, Scott Samolewicz, Constantine Voyevidka, and David Rondina for helping to organize and/or run the pumpkin roll, which drew 32 kids. First place winner was Dylan Steed, who took possession of the 3-D framed pumpkin roll trophy until next year’s roll reveals a new winner. The second place winner was Rowan Durant-West. Both winners received a gift certificate to A2Z.

The gallery of pumpkins is always the focal point of the party, without which the party would be something entirely different. This year 17 families made the gallery of 30 carved pumpkins. Thank you to everyone who took the time to carve a pumpkin or put together an assemblage for the display! They were all quite amazing. The first prize really stunk! It was a skunk spraying it’s victim carved by Justin O’Connor. Second prize went to Clara Rondina for her pumpkin cottage complete with leafy awnings, a smoking chimney and Goshen stone steps! The huddle of dried apple face witches warming around a glowing cauldron by Heidi Stevens won third place. Each winner won a home-made pie baked by either Linda Butler, Marc Freedman, or Julie Jones.

Thank you bakers! Thank you to the 27 families who contributed delicious homemade soups, chilis, breads, sides and desserts (seven of which also carved pumpkins!) Hats off to you all! You can view all of the pumpkin entries here