Pumpkin Fair a big hit

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By Robby McKittrick
Hometown Weekly Reporter

On Saturday, October 20, thousands of families and friends visited Bates Elementary School for the annual Pumpkin Fair.

The fair had a variety of activities, such as a hair spraying station, bouncy houses, a dancing area, a shave ice truck, different games and challenges, a haunted house, food and candy, and a 50/50 raffle.

“It’s just a great event,” said co-chair of this year’s Pumpkin Fair, Livia Madden. “All of the friends and families look forward to it every year, it’s the biggest fundraiser for the school, and it’s a great time.”

At the event, many of the kids were enjoying the different food offerings, such as cotton candy and popcorn, while other youngsters were busy playing the different games on the grass field while Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” blared in the background.

“We love [the fair],” said Wellesley resident Mike Madsen. “The kids love playing the games and the challenges, and [they enjoy] the haunted house … and they get to see all their friends, so it’s a lot of fun.”

Madsen and his wife and kids have come to the event for the last five years.

“The little ones love the bouncy houses, and the big ones love the challenging games so they can win prizes, and they all seem to love the haunted house,” Madsen said. “We’ll come back [in future years], I’m sure.”

This year marked the 48th year of the Pumpkin Fair. The purpose of the event is to bring the community together and support the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Bates Elementary School.

“It raises funds for the PTO, which goes to things like field trips, creative arts and science programs,” explained Madden. “Everybody that’s working here is parents and families volunteering their time.”

The Pumpkin Fair was Halloween and fall-themed, and it is always very popular at this time of the year.

“Every single elementary school has their own event but I think this one has a great turnout because it’s right before Halloween,” said Wellesley resident Lindsay Lincoln. “This one is particularly fun because of the time of year, and it spans age brackets.”

Lincoln has attended the Pumpkin Fair with her kids for the last four years, and they also enjoy the different activities offered.

“The bouncy house is always fun,” Lincoln said. “The sports component is always exciting and you can buy a pumpkin here [too].”

“I think it’s a wonderful way to spread community engagement,” Lincoln added. “It’s an amazing way to support the PTO and support the elementary school overall … It’s a perfect fall event.”