Celebrate Fall with a D'lightful Pumpkin Walk

Friday, Oct. 7

This Halloween display promises to d'light viewers.

Erie's fifth annual Pumpkin D'Light Night Walking Tour will now be held for two consecutive nights at Headwaters Park.

From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8, you can attend this family-friendly pumpkin walk that includes nearly 1,000 locally-carved pumpkins set up on a mile-long trail. The pumpkins are carved by local preschool and elementary school students, senior home residents, and by others in places like the Erie Zoo.

Each year, the event attracts 3,000 to 4,000 visitors. Co-chairperson Patty Dicks calls the night "magical."

Attendees should allow half an hour to walk through. But all are welcome to proceed at their own pace, taking more time to enjoy the jack-o-lanterns if they wish. In addition to the walk, there will be a display with jack-o-lanterns flashing in time to music provided by a team of students and teachers from Central Tech High School. The event will also offer a corn maze and other activities.

Pumpkin D'Light Night serves as a major fundraiser for the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Erie County. It began after one member, Beth Hardy, attended a similar walk in Connecticut.

Entrance costs $3 for adults (age 12 and older), $2 for children (age three to 11), and is free for anyone under two years old. Visitors may want to bring a flashlight. Dogs are not allowed. – Tracy Geibel

6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 // 1927 Wager Rd. // facebook.com/events/941409309318344/