DIY folk art fest comes to Townsite
Planning to make your own Pumpkin People? Take a tour through Pinterest for ideas aplenty
BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT isabelle@prliving.ca
“Grab some old clothes (or buy some from one of our many thrift shops) and let your imagination run wild!”
G
et ready for the first Powtown Pumpkin People Festival in Powell River’s Historic Townsite. Beginning October 12 and running for the entire month, you’ll find musicians, athletes, men, women, children and maybe even some politicians holding court on lawns throughout the Townsite. Hockey players, brides, farmers, and movie stars looking decidedly familiar but sporting large orange pumpkin heads will be sitting, standing and even playing along Maple, Ash and Oak Avenues, at the Patricia Theatre and at Henderson House Museum. Sponsored by Powell River Living magazine, this festival is another way to bring the neighbourhood closer together and to boost tourism in the shoulder season. I came across the idea last year when a childhood friend, visiting from Nova Scotia, showed me photos of a similar festival in Kentville. After doing some
research, I discovered that pumpkin people and pumpkin festivals are big tourist attractions elsewhere. Earlier this year, Powell River Living enlisted the help of Bill Hopkins and handed out pumpkin seeds to students at Henderson Elementary School and delivered seeds to all Townsite residents via The Townsite Digester. People are encouraged to display Powtown Pumpkin People on their lawns during October. Townsite is already the
WHAT’S COOLER THAN A PUMPKIN-HEADED WILLIE, DOLLY AND JOHNNY? In October, make a pumpkin person for your yard for the first ever Powtown Pumpkin People Festival. hot spot at Halloween. Townsite residents already go all out at Halloween by decorating their homes. Some people reported handing out treats to 400 kids last year. For those of you who are wondering how to make a pumpkin person, don’t worry, it’s easy. These “people” have a head made out of a pumpkin. The features are painted on – don’t carve your pumpkin, as that will make it rot faster. Their bodies are made out of broomsticks, tomato or bamboo pole frames and stuffed with straw or leaves. Grab some old clothes (or buy some from one of our many thrift shops) and let your imagination run wild! Pumpkin festivals featuring people are popular in Eastern Canada and the United States.
PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET EGGS Open til the end of September MEAT SATURDAYS SUNDAYS POWELL RIVER
10:30 -12:30
12:30 - 2:30
Except Fall Fair September 7-8 when it’s Noon-5 both days.
604.414.5076 | 4365 McLeod Rd.
TOWNSITE PUMPKIN PEOPLE FESTIVAL What: Townsite residents are invited to sculpt their own yard decorations – with pumpkin heads When: October 12 to 31 Where: Townsite Why: Creativity and prizes We’re hoping the Powell River Townsite will embrace our orange gourd heads and add another layer of excellence to Halloween in the Townsite. For more information and to learn how to build your own Powtown Pumpkin Person, stay tuned and continue to read Powell River Living magazine.
Come sing with us! Powell River’s community choir since 1955 All ages and abilities welcome
BREAD & PIE
Wednesday nights, 7:30pm Starting September 11 Powell River Academy of Music
ARTISANS
Contact Janice Gunn at 604-485-3825 for more information.
Stock up for school: Lunch meats
Providing dignified service to the region since 1969 Visit our website to view obituaries and send condolences online 7221 Duncan Street www.stubberfieldfh.com 604 485-4112
Family packs
Order Thanksgiving turkeys now!
And always great steaks for the BBQ
StoneCroft Farm & JD Farms No hormones • No antibiotics Free range heritage turkeys
4741 Marine Ave
604 485-4838
POWELL RIVER LIVING • september 2019 •
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