2013's Pumpkin Parade Was a Smashing Success!

Thanks to all who came out to this year's Pumpkin Parade! It was great to see so many neighbours, particularly families new to the area. 

This year 's Parade than tripled the number of pumpkins over last year's event - making this year a smashing success, ha ha! Let's hope this is a continuing tradition. Happily, there is plenty of room to expand!

Many thanks to all involved, particularly to: 

- Our student volunteers, for keeping the pumpkins lit and taking photos,
- Ward 17 City Councillor Cesar Palacio, for helping with pumpkin pick-up arrangements,
- Frank Ruffalo and staff at the JJP Community Centre, for letting us use the entrance to the Centre, providing help with cleanup, and helping to promote the event. 
- MP Jonah Schein, the Corso Italia BIA and local schools for helping us to get the word out. 

A few of our many favourites - 

Thanks to the early birds who set up their pumpkins before we had even arrived

This family has some serious talent - they carved an amazing Darth Vadar last year

That red pepper?
This family has a new baby and didn't have a chance to pick up a pumpkin, but didn't want to miss out!

So fun!

FoEP volunteers with Cllr Cesar Palacio, MPP Jonah Schein and JJP staff 

 More picture are available by clicking here. 

Have any to share? We'd love to see them! Send them to friendsofearlscourtpark@gmail.com. 

2nd Annual Pumpkin Parade!

Last year's pumpkin parade was so much fun that we're doing it again - spread the word and bring your friends!

Rain or shine - see you then!

1st Annual Pumpkin Parade!

Last night's Pumpkin Parade was tremendous fun! 

We had a fabulous time meeting all of the families who came, and thank all for braving the damp, chilly weather to light up the night. We saw some fantastic pumpkins!

Despite the weather, many families stayed long after they had seen the displays to strike up conversations and get to know one another. 

Passersby came in from St. Clair and out from the Community Centre to admire the pumpkins, TTC drivers paused in the Lansdowne turnaround to check out the action, and the kids (and a few dogs!) struck up instant friendships. 

We're particularly thankful to all who told us that they usually attend one of the larger, more established parades, but that they live near Earlscourt Park and wanted to support an event closer to home. And that they'll be back next year.

We heard many families tell us about how important community events are, and how they look forward to seeing more in Earlscourt. 

We hear you loud and clear, and will be working with our City Councillor to plan an event for the Spring.  

In the meantime - we're already looking forward to next year's Parade!

Special thanks to our volunteers for all of their help, and to Solid Waste for collecting the pumpkins afterwards!

We're Hosting a Pumpkin Parade!

Join us in the park on November 1st for a Pumpkin Parade!

 

Bring your jack-o-lanterns to the walkway near the main entrace to JJ Piccininni CC (St. Clair Ave & Lansdowne) from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Candles and lighters will be provided.

Our neighbours at Sorauren Park have been running a Parade in their park for the past few years - check out this scene (below) from 2011's parade. Let's send Hallowe'en off in style at Earlscourt!

A big thank-you to City of Toronto Solid Waste staff who have arranged for the pumpkin pick-up following the parade.