Pumpkinfest: A Spooky Time To Enjoy
Wren Ferguson 9/15/22
Pumpkinfest. What is Pumpkinfest? When is Pumpkinfest? Where is Pumpkinfest? Well, Pumpkinfest is a student-run Halloween event hosted by EJHS. Each year Mrs. Jones’ homeroom works together to make sure Pumpkinfest is doable. This year will mark the second year Pumpkinfest has been running.
Pumpkinfest started in 2020 when the 6th graders of Mrs. Jones’ wanted to reconnect with the community. “Starting off was mainly something for us to do… It later grew as something fun to provide for the community,” said Sydney Adams. Sydney has been with Pumpkinfest from the start. She enjoys being at Pumpkinfest and watching the community come back together. The first year, 2020, was used as a fundraising year. That year they held the auction and ended up raising $400! The year after that, in 2021, they were finally able to host Pumpkinfest. Even with it being their first year, they did a great job.
“Starting off was mainly something for us to do… It later grew as something fun to provide for the community,” said Sydney Adams.
Since it rained last year, we had to line the forest for the Pumpkin Walk instead of lining the trail.
Now for this year's Pumpkinfest. This year it will be on October 29. If It rains or any major problems come up, the date may be changed. This event will be hosted from 5-9 at the Tennis Courts (where it was last year). At Pumpkinfest, you will be given the opportunity to watch the Pumpkin Derby, walk through the Jack O’ Lantern Lane, play games in the game area, get some treats from our local vendors, go Trunk or Treating, or participate in our Costume Contest. Before Pumpkinfest, you can make a pumpkin racer to enter the pumpkin derby or you can carve a pumpkin to enter the Jack O’ Lantern Lane. “I think Pumpkinfest is going to be even more fun than last year,” says Ailynn, a new member of the Pumpkinfest committee. For the Jack O’ Lantern Lane, Pumpkin Derby, and the Costume Contest, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies or ribbons will be given. The best-decorated vehicle in the Trunk or Treat section will also be given a prize. None of this is official, but there is a high chance of all of this happening. All we know is that more events will be added in future years to come.
Item sold in Auction last year.
Someone showing off Auction item.
Isn’t there an auction? Yes, the auction, like the last two years, will be held online. All things sold in the auction have been donated by members of our community. The auction usually includes things related to fall and or Halloween. If you are wanting to donate, we accept donations anytime (just contact Mrs. Jones at mjones@rbbschools.net). Apart from donations of money, the auction is the only other way the Pumpkinfest committee makes money. Pumpkinfest is a nonprofit event, so that means all money made from it goes back into it to make the event better. All vendors there, get the money they make. They also do not have to pay for a vendor spot. All money made from the game zone tickets goes to the game vendors. With this being said, the auction is the only way we can make money.
Now you probably were confused when I mentioned game zone tickets. The Game Zone will require tickets to play. Each ticket will be $0.50 (no discounts or bundle deals will be offered). Each game will require one ticket. Every time you play a game, you get a chance to win a small prize. The games vary in difficulty. This is due to the fact that the game vendors are on their own when it comes to picking the game and bringing the game. The only things provided by the Pumpkinfest committee are the prizes.
Pictures from Pumpkinfest 2021.
Hopefully, that helps sum the event up for you. If you have any questions contact Mrs. Jones at mjones@rbbschools.net or ask a Pumpkinfest committee member, if you know any of them. The Pumpkinfest committee and I, wish to see you there. Have a spooktacular day!
Contributor Bio
Wren Ferguson is a 7th grader at EJHS schools. She is a proud Slytherin and a huge Potterhead. She enjoys Math, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Journaling, Media Production, Robotics, and clogging. She is a new member of Velocity, a competition clogging team.