|
|
|
Dozens
of pumpkins wait in the patch to be chosen by a special child.
|
|
The
Great Pumpkin Hunt a Spooktacular Success
The annual Great Pumpkin Hunt Halloween event at Darke County Parks
filled to capacity once again this year. The staff and volunteers spent
their Saturday afternoon on October 22nd helping little goblins,
princesses, witches, and even a pirate or two find their candy and
treats hidden in the woods at Shawnee Prairie. Each child had to act
like a native Ohio animal at each station before receiving a clue to
the treats’ locations.
Inside the nature center, the children and their families also painted
and decorated pumpkins which they selected from the “pumpkin patch”
atop the hill behind the building. The Darke County Park District would
like to extend a huge thank you to Aultman Farms for donating all the
pumpkins. From the youngest children reveling in the messiness and
color of the paint to the oldest participants capturing the nuances of
bats on their gourd canvases, everyone enjoyed an artistic afternoon.
Pumpkin Hunt participants also had an opportunity to take a hay ride
around the prairie between stopping for treats, and over 100 people
partook. Event organizer and Naturalist, Mandy Martin, said, “The best
part of this popular family event was the kids getting outside in
nature and exploring the park.” She said the event which has gone on
for over ten years has become an annual tradition for many families in
the area.
The Darke County Park District thanks everyone who helped or
volunteered with The Great Pumpkin Hunt, some as trail monitors, paint
helpers, or organizers, and some with set-up, tear down, or donations.
Without the kindness and generosity of the community, events like this
would not be possible. Thank you!
|
|
A
pirate and Captain America search for goodies along the trails of
Shawnee.
|
|
|
|
