Pumpkin Walk facts for kids

The Pumpkin Walk is a super fun, free event that happens every October in North Logan, Utah. It's famous for its amazing displays made from hundreds of pumpkins! Each year, the displays follow a different, exciting theme.

The very first Pumpkin Walk was held in 1983 in Ida Beutler's backyard. By 1987, about 20,000 people were already visiting! By 2013, that number grew to over 60,000 visitors. It's a huge event that many people love!

How the Pumpkin Walk Started

Ida Beutler, a retired teacher, hosted the first Pumpkin Walk on her farm during Halloween in 1983. It was simple at first, with just a few pumpkins shaped into happy Halloween figures. A few local boys caused some mischief, but instead of getting upset, Ida offered them treats! She even asked them to help her with the displays the next year.

In 1984, those same boys helped make the display bigger. Ida also got her family, friends, and neighbors involved. They helped create more pumpkin scenes and handed out treats to guests. Her friend, artist Nancy Israelsen, became a co-organizer. Nancy, her husband Lyle, and Ida's husband Wallace ("Wally") worked on the pumpkin displays for many years. Neighbors also helped by harvesting pumpkins, making snacks, and creating the popular pumpkin scenes.

By 1989, the Pumpkin Walk had grown too big for the Beutler farm. Thousands of guests were coming from all over the Wasatch Front and nearby states like Idaho. Ida agreed to let the city of North Logan take over the event. She had two conditions: it must always be free, and there should be no advertising. The city agreed, and the event has continued ever since! In 1992, it moved to Elk Ridge Park and quickly became a favorite Cache Valley tradition.

Many people from North Logan and visitors have shared photos and memories from past Pumpkin Walks.

The Pumpkin Walk Today

More than 30 years after it began, the Pumpkin Walk still attracts over 30,000 visitors during its five-day run. Hundreds of volunteers help make the event happen every year. These volunteers include pumpkin carvers, painters, electricians, and handymen. There are many ways for people to get involved and help out!

In 2020, the Pumpkin Walk was a "Lite" version because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers said some photo spots were not available for safety reasons. Also, the usual treats and snacks were not handed out. But don't worry, the famous pumpkin scenes were still there for everyone to enjoy!

Amazing Pumpkin Displays

The pumpkin displays at the Pumpkin Walk are truly creative! They use pumpkins that are carved, painted, or left whole. The displays can be inspired by the autumn season and the Halloween holiday. Sometimes, they are based on popular books and movies like Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins. Other times, they follow a special theme chosen for that year.

Every year, the event organizers pick a new theme for the next Pumpkin Walk. Volunteer pumpkin painters and carvers are encouraged to create displays that fit the year's theme. But even with a theme, creativity is always welcome!