Bowling Green Gears Up for 5th Annual Pumpkin Trail at Preston Miller Park

Bowling Green Gears Up for 5th Annual Pumpkin Trail at Preston Miller Park

This month, the city of Bowling Green is set to host its much-anticipated 5th annual pumpkin trail at Preston Miller Park. The event is designed to encourage the community to come together and celebrate the fall season, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, and locals.

A Tradition Born from Uncertainty

The pumpkin trail began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to offer a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity for residents. According to Cameron Levis, the Recreational Division Manager for Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, the event invites local businesses, organizations, schools, families, and individuals to contribute pumpkins for display along the trail. “We provide the trail, and they provide the pumpkins,” Levis explained.

In the months leading up to the pumpkin trail, the Parks and Recreation team actively seeks out local participants who want to paint creative and eye-catching pumpkins to place along the walking path. “We’re taking a just a normal trail in a park that people walk every day, and we’re just trying to add a little flavor to it,” Levis mentioned.

Creative Displays and Growing Participation

Over the years, the pumpkin trail has showcased some incredibly creative and unique designs. “We’ve had some really cool pumpkins featured, including several Disney-themed ones,” Levis said. He recalled one of the highlights from the inaugural year: a beautifully crafted Pinocchio pumpkin that left quite an impression.

Typically, the trail receives between 400 to 600 pumpkins each year, and this year’s goal is set at around 500 pumpkins for display. “The more businesses, organizations, schools, and people we can get involved, the more pumpkins that we can provide for the community to enjoy,” said Levis.

Details of This Year’s Event

This year’s pumpkin trail will take place at Preston Miller Park from October 25 through 27. The community is invited to bring their carefully painted pumpkins to the park for display. There will be a designated drop-off day on Friday, October 25, where two different time slots have been arranged for pumpkin contributions:

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants can drop off their pumpkins at Preston Miller Park, specifically towards shelter one in the upper parking lot. Once received, the team will arrange the pumpkins along the trail for all to enjoy.

How You Can Get Involved

bgpr@bgky.org or by calling 270-393-3249 for more information.

The pumpkin trail is not just a fun event; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the joys of autumn. With hopes to include more participants and pumpkins this year, the Parks and Recreation team is excited to bring a little extra color and creativity to Preston Miller Park.

As the event approaches, residents of Bowling Green are encouraged to get involved and create cherished memories with friends and family during this festive season.