The Pumpkin Patch Bash: A Huge Success

While some parents chose the traditional route of taking their children trick or treating many opted to check out the Pumpkin Bash that was held at Living Water Community Church in Olympia WA.

With dozens of volunteers helping every step of the way the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Over flow parking was arranged utilizing near by parking lots with shuttles running families over to Living Water. This was a wonderful way to handle the potential traffic flow problems. I was lucky enough to get parking right at Living Water and Helpful attendants directed me into a convenient space for my oversized truck. At the end of the event those same attendants insured that there was no foot traffic behind me before I backed out and left.

The exotic animal show featured a cougar, snapping turtle, snakes, and more! This show alone will have many families eagerly awaiting next year's Pumpkin Bash.

The pony rides were another favored attraction with the kids. All ages were welcome to ride, on their own if they were able or with a parent walking next to them. Too little to ride? No problem, there was a pony all saddled up just waiting for those little ones that just wanted to sit in the saddle and go nowhere.

Other attractions included a petting zoo, two bounce houses, a large inflatable slide, and multiple game rooms.

A concession stand was open all evening offering free hot dogs and drinks as well as many people in costume wandering through the different events passing candy out to the kids.

Every parent I talked to raved about the fun their kids were having, from the pony rides and carnival games to the exotic animal show. Some of the activities had longer than anticipated lines but no one seemed to mind the wait.

It was apparent that a lot of time and effort went into making this a memorable time for families. In every way possible the members of Living Water followed though with their purpose behind tonight's fun. As stated in the program they sought to offer parents a safe and fun alternative to trick or treating. And it was very clear that every child that attended was having fun!

The Bash was sponsored by Living Water and various Local Businesses. Props for some of the events were also donated by local businesses.