Orange is the new background, and the shade at the forefront of the new seasonal makeover at the Myriad Gardens this month – a smash hit returns in the second annual Pumpkinville.
The event transforms the Children’s Garden into a new world to explore October 12-31. As marketing director Christine Eddington puts it, “Pumpkinville is the Myriad Botanical Garden’s celebration of all things fall: pumpkin decorating, cider pressing, corn husk doll making and a not-too-scary Halloween party are all on tap for families.”
In its first year, the event won the Outstanding Children’s Attraction or Event from the Frontier Country Marketing Association, and organizers have been inspired to make it even better; that means entertaining games, crafts and activities, a hay bale maze, spooky storytelling events …
and even more pumpkins. How many? Try 3,000 of the namesake gourds.
There’s plenty to experience every day, but if you can only manage one visit, make it October 26 – for the Pumpkinville Halloween Party (woooOOOOooo!). Guests will sample spooky witches’ brew and other treats that might or might not be haunted, while participating in a variety of fun games and activities, and jamming out to seasonal favorites like “Monster Mash.” Costumes optional … but encouraged.
When the event ends, as all good things must, the stars of the show can’t go back into storage to wait for next year – so organizers offer the chance for them to go home with visitors. October 31 is the Great Pumpkin Haul: For a nominal fee ($5 for members and $10 for non-members), guests can tote away and keep as many pumpkins as they can carry in one load.
The whole shebang is presented by OG&E Energy Corp., and is one of the gardens’ primary fundraisers – and a whole lot of fun in its own right. Visit myriadgardens.org or call 445.7080 for membership information, and pump(kin) up your fall.
Fall Fun Times
Pumpkinville open October 12-31
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
General Pumpkinville admission
Free for members
$5 per person non-members
Pumpkins for painting $5 each
Halloween Party
Saturday, October 26, 6-8 p.m.
Free for members
$10 per child and $8.50 per adult for non-members
