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, these pumpkin displays have a different theme, making every visit a new adventure.

The very first Pumpkin Walk was held in 1983 in a backyard. By 1987, about 20,000 people were already visiting! By 2013, that number had grown to more than 60,000 visitors.

History of the Pumpkin Walk

How It All Started

A retired teacher named Ida Beutler started the first Pumpkin Walk on her farm in October 1983. It was a simple display with just a few pumpkins shaped into cheerful Halloween figures.

Some neighborhood boys damaged the display. But instead of getting upset, Ida offered them treats! She even asked them to help her with the display the next year.

Growing Bigger and Better

In 1984, those same boys helped Ida make the display even bigger. Ida also got her family, friends, and neighbors involved. They all helped create more pumpkin scenes and gave out treats to guests.

One friend, an artist named 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.

Moving to the City

By 1989, just six years after it began, the Pumpkin Walk had become too big for the Beutler farm. Thousands of guests were coming from all over the Wasatch Front and nearby states like Idaho.

Ida Beutler agreed to let the city of North Logan take over the event. She had two main rules: it had to stay free for everyone, and it couldn't use advertising. The city agreed, and the event has continued ever since! In 1992, the Pumpkin Walk moved to Elk Ridge Park. It quickly became a beloved tradition in Cache Valley.

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

The Pumpkin Walk Today

Over 40 years after it began, the Pumpkin Walk still attracts more than 30,000 visitors during its five-day run. Hundreds of volunteers help make the event happen every year. These volunteers include people who carve and paint pumpkins, electricians, and handymen. There are many ways for people to get involved!

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 to enjoy!

Amazing Pumpkin Displays

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

Each year, the event organizers pick a unique theme for the next Pumpkin Walk. Volunteer pumpkin painters and carvers are encouraged to use the year's theme. But creativity is always a big part of the fun!