City of Ammon kicks off Pumpkin Walk
Published at | Updated atAMMON– Ammon city officials kicked off the annual Pumpkin Walk at McCowin Park Saturday.
The public was invited to the first kick off since starting the tradition three years ago. Citizens gathered Saturday afternoon for entertainment, face painting, concessions and other forms of entertainment.
“The Pumpkin Walk is a fun way to bring the community together and get people out in the park to enjoy the beautiful change of season. It’s an opportunity to take a break from our fast-paced lives and enjoy that small town feel,” Ammon Arts Committee member Becky Wessel says.
Wessel is one of the founding members of the Ammon Arts Council, which organized the event. She says the Pumpkin Walk is a competition and that it supports local educators. Teachers had a chance to win $500 for the first place prize. Wessel says, unlike other years they gave away a second place prize for $200 and a third place prize for $100.
The walk is an outdoor gallery with at least 34 themed displays and is free and open to the public. Pumpkins are used as a canvas as various artwork ranging from movie characters to floral designs are displayed on them.
“We had an amazing turnout Saturday. The various performers brought a steady flow of visitors to the park. It was awesome to see such community support,” Wessel says.
The walk is free and open to the public for viewing at any time. The artwork on the pumpkin displays were created by businesses, schools, families, and church groups in Ammon.
Wessel says there is an area at the park for community members to bring a pumpkin in memory of, or in support of someone they love. The display is called “Sweet Thoughts.” There is also a pumpkin available for the public to sign.
The Pumpkin Walk will run from Oct. 20 through Oct. 31. and is free on 24-hour display to the public. The Pumpkin Walk concludes on the 31st with the annual Ammon Fire Department Trick-or-Treat event at McCowin Park at 6 p.m.
“We are already making plans to make the event bigger and better next year. We are looking for sponsors and possible vendors for the 2019 Pumpkin Walk,” Wessel says.
If anyone would like to be a sponsor for next years event or any future City of Ammon events email ammonartscouncil@gmail.com
Classroom Division
1st Place $500
Rimrock Elementary 3rd Grade
Teacher: Shauntel Petersen
“Star Wars”
2nd place $200
Tiebreaker Elementary
6th grade
“Once Upon a Pumpkin”
3rd place $100
Falls Valley Elementary
6th grade
“Hakuna Matata”
Honorable Mention
Rimrock Elementary
3rd Grade
Teacher: Becca Dye
“Fall into Books”
Community Division
1st place $200
Elise & Co. Art Class
“Edgar Allen Poe”
2nd place $100
Reese & Dennehl Families
“Baby Shark ”
3rd place $50
JaLene’s Bakery
“Fairies and Carved Pumpkin”