
In a community tradition, Boxerwood will once again host its outdoor Pumpkin Walk on Friday and Saturday evenings, Oct. 25 and 26 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Designed for families with young children as well as the young at heart, the interactive program invites adventurers to step into the magic of the season with glowing pumpkins, shadow puppet shows, story-telling, and even a friendly witch dance. The site of all activities is the Boxerwood field, accessed from Munger Lane just off Ross Road. This year’s Pumpkin Walk is free for children and $5 for adults, cash only. For those with a Boxerwood membership, entrance is free for two adults. All proceeds support Boxerwood’s environmental educational mission, including upkeep of its woodland garden.
“The Pumpkin Walk is very dear to our hearts,” explained Boxerwood early education coordinator Jess Sullivan, who oversees the project along with a team of colleagues and volunteers. “Most of my work is with families and children,” she said, “and little kids especially need a place where they can feel they are part of something wonderful and special – but not scary!” The outdoor event creates opportunities for families to come together for an evening of community fun and memory-making, she said. “And the creativity from our community is amazing,” she added, noting the program’s many homemade aspects, especially the scores of community carved pumpkins that comprise the walk.
In addition to meandering the woodsy pathways of the Pumpkin Walk, families can also participate in several other activities that evening. This year, puppeteer Sam Camp will entrance audiences with two 20-minute shadow puppet shows on the Boxerwood outdoor stage, at 6:30 and 7:30 pm. A bevy of community members from Halestone Dance Studio will return this year for family-friendly witch dances. There will also be surprise musicians and costumed personages, plus an autumn storytelling circle. For those with outdoor appetites, two food trucks will also be on site offering for-purchase simple meals as well as fresh doughnuts and hot cider.
“We could dance and play all night,” reflected Jess, “but bedtime comes early for the little ones.” Families may arrive at any time after 5:45 pm, with the program ending at 8:30 p.m. The Pumpkin Walk is also a fair weather event, with no rain date scheduled. Parking is limited to about 250 cars, so come early. For more information or to offer volunteer help for a 2-hour shift either evening of the Pumpkin Walk, click below.
THURSDAY the 24th
FRIDAY the 25th and SATURDAY the 26th (you can choose which date to serve)