Families Celebrate Final Display of Over 600 Jack-O-Lanterns

UPDATE: Families in Regina gathered this weekend for one last chance to showcase their Halloween spirit at Pumpkin Way, a vibrant display featuring over 600 jack-o-lanterns. The event took place on November 1, 2023, near the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, allowing residents to celebrate their creativity one final time after Halloween.

Residents, including local mother Melissa Compain, embraced the festive atmosphere. “We only did one [pumpkin] as a family, but it’s always a collective effort,” Compain shared with CTV News. “The kids design it and draw it onto the pumpkin, and then we cut it out together.” This community event allowed families to connect and enjoy the artistry on display, drawing visitors eager to experience the creativity of their neighbors.

With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, many families took advantage of the opportunity to extend their celebrations. “I was really excited that this year Halloween was on a Friday. We can go out again tonight, even though we’re a little bit tired, and enjoy all the pumpkins one more time together,” said Compain. The atmosphere was filled with joy as families reconnected with friends and celebrated the end of the spooky season.

The pumpkin display featured a variety of designs, from traditional faces to intricate depictions of movie characters and sports team logos. In addition to the stunning visual showcase, Pumpkin Way also included a mini petting zoo organized by Fenek Farms. The farm plans to repurpose the pumpkins as animal feed, ensuring that none go to waste. “We were thinking, what happens to all these pumpkins? There were people offering us their pumpkins, and we decided to have a couple spots in the city where if you wanted to donate, you could drop off there,” said Madison Croissant, farm manager of Fenek Farms.

The event not only wrapped up Halloween festivities but also highlighted Fenek Farms‘ commitment to sustainability. Croissant elaborated on the farm’s broader mission, stating, “We do actually a couple of programs in the city where we get some leftover produce from grocery stores. We also travel, we will come to you. We’ve gone as far as Coronach before, and we’ll bring horses, sheep, alpacas, a cow, bunnies, chickens, anything you can think of.”

As families left Pumpkin Way, they took with them the memories of a whimsical evening filled with laughter and community spirit. The success of this event underscores the importance of local traditions and the joy of celebrating together, even after the official holiday has passed.

Next: Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s festivities, ensuring that this beloved community event continues to thrive. Stay tuned for updates as Pumpkin Way prepares to return in 2024, promising even more exciting experiences for families in Regina.