Exeter's Jack O’Lantern Jamboree

Exeter’s Jack O’Lantern Jamboree began as a stop-gap measure to try to squeeze out some fun for the children out of a pandemic-plagued Halloween in 2020, and has quickly become an annual event for the downtown Business Improvement Association.

 

BIA Manager Laura Connolly was looking for a simple way to give the kids a way to celebrate the spooky holiday in a safe way when trick-or-treating was largely not practised in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. She rallied the local businesses to donate treat bags that could be given to the kids instead, and invited individuals, families and businesses to show off their pumpkin designs by bringing them downtown. She was able to convince a local woodlot operator to lend her stumps, which she kept at least six feet apart throughout the business area. 

 

The kids, and often their parents, came in droves in costume to take in the spectacle and a new tradition was born. 

Last year, a local pumpkin grower generously donated pumpkins so that families could pick up a free pumpkin to carve and enter in the jamboree.

 

With more than 60 pumpkins entered last year, Connolly is sure the event will continue to grow. 

Kids love any excuse to dress up and the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree gives them another opportunity to go out in their Halloween costumes!

 

This year’s event will take place on Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. in the downtown core. There will be prizes for the best pumpkins and treat bags for the kids.

 

Be sure to dress up and experience Exeter for this spook-tacular event happening all along Main Street. Follow the Exeter BIA on Facebook for all the details. www.facebook.com/ExperienceExeter