Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
The Pumpkin Path is returning to Centennial Park this Friday with the goal of spooking up funds for the Jasper Food Bank.
The second Youth Pumpkin Path Fundraiser Project is a collaboration between the Municipality of Jasper鈥檚 Community Outreach Services (COS), the Rotary Club of Jasper, Youth Community Helpers and the Jasper Foodbank Society.
鈥淛asper鈥檚 (youth) and the Rotary Club set up a trail of carved pumpkins for families to view,鈥� said Susan Cesco, co-president of the Rotary Club of Jasper, in an email interview.
鈥淓verything takes place within Centennial Park by donation for the food bank.鈥�
The path will be one direction, but people can go through as many times as they like with entry by cash donation and all funds going to the food bank.
Masks are mandatory, and costumes are encouraged.
Last year, the Pumpkin Path replaced the Youth Community Helpers鈥� annual Trick or Eat event, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Cesco has been working with the teens and Anna DeClerq, COS teen outreach worker, to plan this year鈥檚 event and is also the link with the Rotary Club.
鈥淭his week, work is underway to start carving pumpkins,鈥� Cesco said.
鈥淭he youth will arrive after school to start setting up and then will open the gates at 6 p.m. People are able to stroll through at their own pace. The glow of all the pumpkins will guide you.鈥�
The 2020 event raised $6,500, a combination of cash donations at the gate, a $2,000 donation from the Jasper Rotary Club and a $2,001 donation from an anonymous resident.
鈥淚t was an outstanding opportunity for families to come out and enjoy a nice walk,鈥� Cesco said.
鈥淲e also had many community members volunteer to provide lights and Halloween decorations.鈥�
The fundraising goal for this year is $7,000, and the Rotary Club has yet again committed to $2,000 cash donation for the Jasper Foodbank Society.
Cesco added how the fundraising event creates a fun opportunity for the community, inspires leadership in teens and gives Rotary鈥檚 people of action meaningful purpose.
The Pumpkin Path will run the evening of Friday, Oct. 29 at Centennial Park from 6-9 p.m. (6-7 p.m. seniors and toddlers hour), with set-up at Centennial Park in the afternoon before the event.
Community members are welcome to submit a pumpkin for display by dropping it off between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the event
All pumpkins and decor can be picked up at the end of the night at 9 p.m.
With files from Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
