Portage residents got into the holiday spirit while walking a trail illuminated by pumpkins and Halloween decorations at Imagination Glen Park on Saturday, October 19. They enjoyed the mild fall weather while viewing pumpkin displays from different members and groups from around the city. The event took place along a section of the Iron Horse Heritage Trail.
Andrea Riley, a member of the Portage Event Partnership (PEP), got the idea for Light up the Gourds when she visited the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular in Louisville several years ago. The event in Kentucky showcases 1000s of professionally carved pumpkins along a mile-long trail. Riley envisioned something similar but with a Portage flare.
“You don't have to have a whole scene,” Riley said. “If you carve a pumpkin and bring it out here and put a little LED panel in it, we're going to put it on that trail because we want everybody to see stuff like this. Let's show everybody how we can be creative with our pumpkins.”
The annual event grew larger and more creative in its fifth year. Norma Laboy, team management/event coordinator at the Office of the Mayor, explained that the experience is increasing every year. Over ten groups signed up this year to participate in creating a scene or carving pumpkins. Portage residents were encouraged to carve or decorate a pumpkin for fellow residents to view along the trail.
“Every year we try to increase participation,” Laboy said. “This Thursday, we did carving at the high school, and we had 80 pumpkins. People just came through. As they were trunk or treating, they came and they carved. Then we put all of them on display here so they can come and see their work lit up.”
Like years prior, participants and attendees were inspired by more than the typical ghouls, witches, and creepy creatures that come to mind around Halloween. This year’s theme was “Beetlejuice.” Groups from all over the city of Portage were inspired by symbols and characters from the movies, such as Girl Scout Group 35579 who created a sandworm guarding their pumpkins. Parents also gathered children to take photos with a “Beetlejuice” backdrop. Many children dressed up as the infamous trickster.
There can never be enough pumpkins as Light Up the Gourds grows every year. Attendees indulged in food trucks and activity booths when they exited the trail. A senior and sensory sensitivity hour also took place before the general public was allowed in. Riley felt fortunate that PEP is able to host a free event where residents can enjoy festive art while taking a walk on the trail.
“There's a lot of events going on tonight, and look at how many people came out,” Riley said. “I love being able to do this because it shows our Park Department, Rails to Trails, and the creativity and carving of pumpkins."
For more information on the City of Portage, please visit www.portagein.gov.
