Fort Thomas, Kentucky, presents its annual pumpkin walk
Many Northern Kentucky locals lovingly recall their time as a child at the annual Fort Thomas Pumpkin Walk. According to Kat Disney, director of the Fort Thomas Recreation department, many folks who went as kids, teens and adults now have the pleasure of taking their own children or grandchildren to this beloved tradition.
The Pumpkin Walk is a small-town tradition spanning over 30 years to celebrate the Halloween season. “Every year we try to build on what has already been done,” says Disney. “The atmosphere is definitely something unique to the city of Fort Thomas.”
Happening this year on Oct. 27 at Tower Park, the Fort Thomas Recreation Department presents this event to people of all ages and places. The walk starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m., but Disney confirms that the walk usually starts earlier for the younger kids with an early bedtime. This year you can expect various food trucks, spooky lights and family photos.
The Wednesday before the walk, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own pumpkin and take part in a pumpkin carving/decorating party. Thursday is the judging of the pumpkin contest and Friday, the day of the pumpkin walk, is when people can look for their pumpkin along the trail and see if they won.
“It’s really special to see the kids get excited to look for the pumpkins they carved along the walk,” says Disney.
The Fort Thomas Recreation department oversees the facilities of its three main parks (Tower, Highland Hills and Rossford) and many of the popular and fun aspects of the city, including shelters, mess halls, sports leagues, summer camps and more.
Pumpkin Walk attendees are invited to dress up, collect treats, enjoy the spooky scenery and more. The Recreation Center is calling for volunteers for several opportunities. This includes simply donating candy or taking part in the events leading up to the Pumpkin Walk. Volunteers are also asked to hand out candy, keep lines moving and make sure the battery-operated candles stay lit in the pumpkins all night.
Additional information can be found on the Fort Thomas Recreation website (ftthomas.org/event/pumpkin-walk-6pm/).
Other Family-Friendly Halloween Events
HallZOOween
Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden can see the animals enjoy their special Halloween enrichment, stop by the zoo’s trick-or treat-stations and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Weekends in October. cincinnatizoo.org
Tricks and Treats Fall Fest
Families can have some fall fun at Kings Island before the ghosts and goblins come out for The Haunt at night. Daytime activities include specialty food, games, game shows, trick-or-treating, live entertainment and more. Weekends in October. visitkingsisland.com
Haunted Village
Heritage Village transforms into Haunted Village throughout October. This family-friendly event has balloon art, games, a creepy critter zoo and a visit from the Headless Horseman. Weekends in October. heritagevillagecincinnati.org
Nature at Night Halloween Hike
Take a nighttime walk through the woods at Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve. Jack-o-lanterns will light the way and, afterward, you can enjoy fall fun at around the campfire. Oct. 28. greatparks.org
