🎃 WHEN IS THE STODDARD AVENUE PUMPKIN GLOW?
The community is invited to gut and carve pumpkins in a heated tent near Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 N. Belmonte Park N., from Thursday to Sunday of Oct. 24, 25, 26 and 27.
The free community pumpkin glow will take place 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Oct. 29 on the hill next to the church.
🎃WHY ARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED?
The Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow has a long community history. It was founded by Judy Chaffin, who started carving pumpkins and displaying them on the hill in 1994. What started as 50 pumpkins grew into a phenomenon for visitors as far away as Canada.
In December 2018, Chaffin, known as “The Pumpkin Lady,” died.
“We started out with about 36 the first year and people thought it was amazing,” Chaffin said in a 2003 interview with the Dayton Daily News. “Each year we’ve added more and more pumpkins.”
Last year more than 1,000 pumpkins were carved for the glow.
>> PHOTOS: Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow 2018
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pumpkin glow returns to Stoddard Avenue
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
🎃 WHERE DO I SIGN UP TO HELP?
Pre-registration is not required, but organizers are asking people to sign up at signupgenius.com so they can have a count.
Volunteer meals will be served inside the church. Organizers are seeking donations for shareable snacks and food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A signup for the potluck is available on signupgenius.com.
In previous years, hundreds of volunteers have gathered to carve and gut pumpkins.
🎃 HOW DOES IT WORK?
A few pumpkin carving masters do it free handed, but most are carved using patterns.
The event relies on community partners for help and is sponsored by Grandview Medical Center and the Kettering Health Network, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the city of Dayton mini grant program.
Credit: Teesha Mcclam
Credit: Teesha Mcclam
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