5th annual Parade of Pumpkins Continues to Draw Crowd; Continues through Halloween

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore/Autauga News

Photos by Amanda Pevey and Bob Ealum – EAN

On Friday, the 5th Annual Parade of Pumpkins opened for the community to come explore the charming streets of downtown Prattville through October 31st. The weather was amazing, the large crowd enjoying a nice walk around the historic downtown of Prattville to see festive storefronts, illuminated pumpkins, a glow trail, and also a pumpkin barrel trail. This is a great annual tradition for families, all FREE to enjoy. Each night they will also have food trucks available, so come hungry and enjoy what Prattville has to offer.

It’s good to see all the families enjoying our downtown event,” said Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr.

He continued, “Last year, it is estimated that we had over 60k people enjoying our Parade of Pumpkins. City Staff have worked hard to create this event for the community and welcome our citizens and visitors too. “

The 5th Annual Parade of Pumpkins has added new features this year which include the sunflower field to the Barrel Trail, sponsored by Civil Southeast, LLC.

Randy Jones & Associates provided thousands of pumpkins for the schools to decorate and for the displays throughout downtown. The new pedestrian bridge is covered with pumpkins as well.

“Our historic downtown district turns into a living Hallmark movie this time of year, and Parade of Pumpkins is our kickoff,” said Tillie McQuaid Jones, owner of Everything Alabama. She continued, “It’s a holiday season filled with lights and family fun that community members and visitors from around the River Region and beyond can enjoy!”

For children, they now have added a custom life-size Lite Brite, pumpkin tic tac toe and checkers in the kid zone by the Food Trucks.

The Glow Trail expanded this year with the Butterfly Garden, Owls, and Pumpkin Towers. The Butterfly Garden started construction in July. Mikayla Rawls, Mayor’s Administrative Assistant and Lisa Byrd, Mayor’s Executive Assistant, carved over 200 pumpkins for the Butterfly Garden and Sunflower field.

“Parade of Pumpkins is about bringing the community together to show off their artistic ability while providing a free, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy,” said Byrd.

For more upcoming events in Prattville, please visit the City of Prattville, Alabama Government Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/PrattvilleALgov.

The food trucks are available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night.

You can also visit the website at: https://prattvilleal.gov/departments/special-events/parade-of-pumpkins/  for more information about the Parade of Pumpkins event going on now through the end of October.