Pumpkin Festival returns Oct. 26

MONROE — The second annual community “Great Pumpkin Festival” returns to Monroe on Friday, Oct. 26, on the back fields of Sacred Heart School from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Organized by the Monroe Girl Scout Service Unit, the festival is modeled after the popular Hudson Valley Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton and will feature hundreds of lit, carved pumpkins sitting in the field for visitors to view.

In addition to Girl Scout-carved pumpkins, community members are invited to bring their own carved pumpkins (with a light) to be part of the festival.

Pumpkin drop off is at the school between 5 and 6:30 p.m.; and pumpkins must stay on site until the end of the festival at 8 p.m. before they can be picked up. They can also be picked up before noon on Saturday.

Last year, organizers estimated about 1,000 people stopped by the see the carved pumpkins set up in a glowing pathway for viewing.

Hot refreshments and baked goods will be on sale.

To learn more, e-mail to: monroepumpkins@gmail.com.