Carve Out Time for Glen Ellyn Park District’s Pumpkin Flotilla Fest!
Posted on: September 17, 2018
Lake Ellyn Park is gorgeous in the Fall, and the Pumpkin Flotilla Fest will make wonderful use of the idyllic setting. The Glen Ellyn Park District’s annual festival, which is geared towards all ages, will provide three hours of fun activities, food and beverages for purchase, and a chance to carve a pumpkin for Halloween.
The Pumpkin Flotilla Fest will be held on Sunday, October 21st, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. “Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans, a fun, interactive band, will once again offer live entertainment for this terrific free event,” said Jeannie Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Services for the Glen Ellyn Park District. “We’ll have Pumpkin Pitch bean bag games, Tic-Tac-Toe with corn husks and acorns, and decorations for creative photo opportunities throughout the park. The trackless train rides, inflatable slide, and Pumpkin Moon Jump bounce house will also offer tons of fun at this family-friendly event.” In addition, free canoe rides will be available at the fishing pier.
A pumpkin carving demonstration by a professional carver will inspire attendees to create their own jack-o-lantern masterpiece to enter into the evening Pumpkin Flotilla, or to take home. A limited number of pumpkins will be available to carve at the event for $5 each, with carving supplies provided by the Glen Ellyn Park District.
The Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn will provide food and drinks for purchase in the Boathouse. Other sponsors include Bowlero Naperville and Glen Ellyn Dentistry. Please remember to patronize these sponsors to thank them for helping make these community events possible.
“This will technically be our third annual Pumpkin Flotilla Fest,” said Robinson. “Although last year the weather didn’t cooperate and the event had to be canceled, we’re hoping that this year’s event is like the first one we held in 2016. On that perfect Fall day, the weather was amazing, the leaves were changing, and we had an incredible turnout.”
The highlight of the evening will be the Pumpkin Flotilla on the lake at dusk, with the carved pumpkins (lit from within) creating a festive nautical parade for all to enjoy. While some spots in the flotilla have been spoken for, there are still openings remaining. “In the past, we’ve had some entrants who couldn’t participate at the last minute,” explained Robinson. “By offering pumpkins to carve at the event, for a $5 fee, we’re hoping to fill all fifty spots in the floating parade. For that small cost, we’ll supply the pumpkin and the carving tools needed, along with ideas and guidance. We want this to be an exciting and wonderful event for the community.”
