Marion Pumpkin Palooza brings Halloween fun for families

Oct 31, 2022

MARION — Something spooky happened at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center in Marion on Saturday, Oct. 29, as the Marion Council on Aging held their first Pumpkin Palooza. 

The grounds of the community center were filled with children in costume and families hollowing out pumpkins at tables equipped with carving tools and tealight candles.

According to Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory, planning for the Pumpkin Palooza started in august and around 65 people registered to carve a pumpkin. 

Finished pumpkins were set up in the community center’s outdoor pavilion so that people driving by could see the display over Halloween weekend. 

Along with pumpkin carving, there was face painting, a petting zoo and a DJ playing Halloween tracks for everyone in attendance. 

The event was supported by the Marion Police Department, who handed out goody bags to children. Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli even arrived in costume as “[his] idol,” Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony. 

Hot chocolate and donuts donated by the nearby Dunkin Donuts rounded out the festivities.  

“This is something for the community,” said Linda Jackvony, Program Coordinator at the Marion Council on Aging.