Port Hope’s annual Pumpkin Parade attracted hundreds of visitors Sunday evening, with 548 carved pumpkins lighting up Lent’s Lane following Halloween.
The Nov. 1 event brought residents together to display their jack-o’-lanterns one final time, creating an outdoor gallery of Halloween creativity.
Barbara Bell, known as the self-appointed Pumpkin Princess, said the tradition began in Toronto about 30 years ago and has steadily grown in Port Hope since its introduction eight years ago.
The free community event is organized through partnerships involving Critical Mass, the Municipality of Port Hope, local businesses and volunteers.
Following the display, local farmers collect suitable pumpkins for animal feed, while the remaining pumpkins are composted.
Organizers say the parade provides an opportunity to celebrate community creativity while bringing people together to mark the end of the Halloween season. Donations to Critical Mass help support its free arts programming.
(Richard Evans)
