Let the Search for the Great Pumpkin Begin

For generations of Wilton residents, beautifully turning leaves, changing fall weather and bright orange pumpkins mean one thing: it's time for the Community Nursery School of Wilton's Pumpkin Festival.

This year's Pumpkin Festival is Saturday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Merwin Meadows off Lover's Lane in Wilton.

"Now that fall is here, I've got one thing on my mind – picking out the cutest pumpkin at Pumpkin Festival and decorating it like crazy," said Skylar Garvin, 5, an alumna of Community. "Of course, I'll probably get my 'game face' painted on first. I'm thinking about a kitty or a butterfly."

The event features children's games and prizes, face painting, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, delicious home baked goods, and arts and crafts. This year, festival-goers can sing and dance to local bands Catfish and Yippee Coyote. Refreshments are available, and attendees can peruse the silent auction featuring goods and services generously donated by local merchants.

Pumpkin Festival draws hundreds of families from around Fairfield County. Many return year after year to participate in the traditional fall fair.  

For event organizers – about 20 families whose preschoolers attend Community – the Pumpkin Festival marks an opportunity to contribute to Wilton's strong tradition of family-friendly activities. It also offers a unique learning opportunity for their children.

"Pumpkin Festival started 26 years ago as a way to celebrate our friends and neighbors, and today we still think of it as throwing open the doors of our little red schoolhouse to all of Wilton," said Heather Kreter, co-chairperson of this year's festival. "Of course, one of the hallmarks of the Community school curriculum is helping children learn how to operate as good citizens in their little worlds. As parents, Pumpkin Festival allows us to show by example; they see our volunteer efforts, they see teenagers manning games booths at the festival, and they see the folks behind the counter of their favorite stores pitching in. They understand how a community can truly come together."

The continued success of Pumpkin Festival is due to the strong support the school receives from countless Wilton volunteers, many of whom are alumni of the nursery school. Community parents share their time and talent to organize the festival, and area businesses provide financial support and donate their goods and services.

In addition to bringing together families from around Fairfield County, the Pumpkin Festival raises funds to provide scholarships for students at Community, with the goal of making the school's high-quality education available to those who would not otherwise have access.

Following the Pumpkin Festival, Community will host an open house for prospective families on Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school, 9 Hubbard Road, Wilton, Conn. The school is currently enrolling and welcomes local families to get more information.