Vandergrift’s youngest residents can get their hands on a free pumpkin during the fourth annual Vandergrift Great Pumpkin Patch.

The free community event, sponsored by the Vandergrift Parent Project, is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Franklin Park in Vandergrift.

“Our goal since starting the VPP is to create more opportunities for every child in Vandergrift,” volunteer Shannon Gourley said. “We host this event simply to see the happiness and community created by such a wholesome event, plus we all love Halloween.”

Co-organizers are Gourley, Chloe Kruse, Tina Mendocino and Andrea Parrish Woodhall.

Kruse said the event helps to extend the park’s operating season.

“Another positive of the pumpkin patch event is it’s helped us reach our goal of having the playground season extended. Years ago, the borough closed the parks when school started,” Kruse said.

Scheduled activities include a bean bag toss, Halloween-themed music, obstacle course, a pumpkin patch and costume contest.

Courtesy of Vandergrift Parent Project The fourth annual Vandergrift Great Pumpkin Patch, organized by the Vandergrift Parent Project, is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 in Franklin Park. The event is free and open to children residing in the borough.  

Children are invited to select a pumpkin from the patch and decorate it, or take it home.

Michele’s Mobile Meals food truck will sell hot food, such as hot dogs, burgers and fries.

The event is rain or shine, and no registration is required.

Each year, more than 200 gourds are given away.

Eligible participants are children 18 and younger residing in Vandergrift.

Past participant Reid Gourley, 8, said he enjoyed a puppet show presented last year.

“I had fun picking any pumpkin I wanted and dancing with puppet Dave,” Reid said.

Organizers encourage famlies to bring blankets and enjoy a picnic in the park.

The giveaway is first-come, first-served.

Franklin Park is at 284 Franklin Ave.

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