A walk through a park transformed into a spooky pumpkin patch is a great way to add another fun event to Halloween.
The Friends of Sooke Park Society are hosting the annual Spooky Pumpkin Walk on Friday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Pineridge Park.
"Last year's event was a great success, with more than 300 pumpkins," said Helen Ritts, a spokesperson for the Friends of Sooke Parks Society. "Everyone, especially the little ones, really enjoyed the stroll through the park with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins. It was really magical, the kind of event that people of all ages thoroughly enjoyed."
Once the event ends, the pumpkins will be trucked away to a local farm for composting.
Ritts said organizers are happy to have Wild Wise Society involved for the first time this year.
Wild Wise Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to spreading awareness and education about the need to co-exist with wildlife to reduce conflicts with humans, will have an information tent set up in the park. For more information, visit http://www.wildwisesociety.org/.
"As bears plump up for hibernation, carved pumpkins left on front steps are an irresistible treat," Ritts said. "So events like this serve two purposes. It's a fun event, and a great way to reduce neighbourhood attractants for bears and other wild animals."
You can drop off your pumpkins at Pineridge Park after 1 p.m., and LED lights will be provided. The park can be accessed in the 6600 block of Rhodonite Drive, or at the path off of Pineridge Place. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Friends of Sooke Parks Society, which aims to protect, advocate for, and enhance parks and green spaces, expressed gratitude to the District of Sooke, Capital Regional District, and the Recreation Foundation of BC for collaborating on grants to make the event possible. Check out friendsofsookeparks.com for more information.
