ANNUAL PUMPKIN HIKE!

Lancaster Parks and Recreation’s Annual Pumpkin Hike is just around the corner! This fantastic family event will be held at Alley Park (2805 Old Logan Rd) in Lancaster on Saturday, October 31st (Halloween) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. If you have never attended the Pumpkin Hike this is a “must do” Halloween event that will surely turn into a family tradition! If you have attended the Pumpkin Hike in the past, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a one of a kind event that is great fun for the whole family!
You can turn this event into a whole day of fun by bringing the family over to Alley Park anytime between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM to help carve the pumpkins that will line the trail later that evening. The pumpkin carving takes place in the barn just past the Alley Park entrance. All of the pumpkins are donated by Neeley’s Farm and participants need only bring carving tools and a great imagination! You may carve as many pumpkins as you like! For many Lancaster families, carving the pumpkins the morning of the hike has become as much as of a tradition as the Pumpkin Hike itself!
When you arrive for the Pumpkin Hike between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM you will park in the field across from the park (parking attendants will be on hand to direct you). I, personally, would go early as this event can get extremely busy. In fact, over 6000 people were estimated to have attended the hike last year!
The hike takes place on the “Lake Trail” which is a dirt trail with moderate terrain that circles Lake Loretta. The trail is lit only by the Jack-O-Lantern’s that were carved earlier that morning. Umbrella strollers or strollers with plastic wheels are not recommended due to the terrain, however, a jogging stroller or one with air-filled tires would do just fine. The hike takes about 20 minutes. After the hike roast a hot-dog over a bonfire (there will be 2 or 3) and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. Monetary donations are accepted for the food.
So come on out to Alley Park for the Annual Pumpkin Hike and become a part of a Lancaster Family Tradition! For more information call the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department at 740-687-6651 or go to www.lancasterparks.com.