Pumpkin Walk

By Elise Franco | October 16, 2011 at 12:03a.m.

Youngstown

Year after year, resident volunteers make possible the Pumpkin Walk at Twilight, enjoyed by thousands.

The pumpkin walk, in its sixth year, is an annual event at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens.

This year’s free event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today and is something that residents from all communities and of all ages will enjoy, said Keith Kaiser, Mill Creek MetroParks horticulture director.

“This is probably our largest single-day event all year,” Kaiser said. “People enjoy coming out early and taking a walk around while it’s still light. ... Then they go back out at twilight to see the pumpkins lit.”

The pumpkin walk features more than 800 carved pumpkins that line walkways and paths throughout the gardens, Kaiser said. The pumpkins are lit, and between snacks of cider and cookies and listening to live music, folks can stroll the grounds enjoying the carvings.

Kaiser said it’s the seasonal mindset of people in Northeast Ohio that draws them to events such as this one. Last year’s walk drew in about 6,500 people.

“We in Ohio like fall and fall colors,” he said. “People figure, why not do some fun, outdoor, fall activities that makes them feel good and gives them a little lift.”

Ellen Speicher, assistant horticulture director, said though MetroParks staff sets up the pumpkins, the popular event wouldn’t be possible without the help of local students and residents who spend the three days prior doing the actual carvings.

“The carving part becomes more and more popular every year,” Speicher said. “We have no problem getting all 800 of our pumpkins carved.”

Cheryl and Michael Weblan, both 64 and of Howland, said they started participating in the carving as a part of their Master Gardener class when the event first began. Cheryl Weblan said they enjoyed it so much that they returned each year.

“We enjoy doing the pumpkins,” she said. “It’s fun to look around and see what everyone has come up with.”

The couple said they plan to return tonight for the walk itself and look forward to seeing the creations lit up in the night.

“We come back and can see how they all look,” Cheryl Weblan said. “We also like to try to find our pumpkins.”

Michael Weblan said the event is a good way for residents to view the talent some people portray in their carvings.

“Everyone can see what’s been accomplished here,” he said. “We have a lot of hidden talents here in Youngstown.”

Steve Wegendt of Youngstown spent Thursday afternoon carving “Wizard of Oz”-themed pumpkins with his children, Amanda, 16, and Kevin, 18. Steve Wegendt said the pumpkin-carving is part of their home-schooling art curriculum.

He said they will return tonight to view their pumpkins and walk the grounds.

“This event brings Youngstown together,” Steve Wegendt said. “It shows off the artistic ability people have in Youngstown, the real positive side.”