by Hanna Singh
Downtown Ruston is gearing up to get spooky with one of the biggest events of the season, Pumpkins in the Park. This annual fall celebration will take place in Railroad Park on October 5 at 6 p.m., offering the perfect kick-off to the season’s festivities.
Families and friends can enjoy an evening filled with pumpkins, Fall-themed photo ops and a special Halloween movie screening under the stars. With plenty of activities for all ages, this event will be a night of seasonal fun and community spirit in the heart of Downtown Ruston.
Each year, Pumpkins in the Park transforms Downtown Ruston into a festive autumn dream. Featuring fun activities, local vendors, and an annual movie screening, the event brings the Ruston community together to enjoy the charm of the season. Families can stroll through Downtown Ruston to admire an array of pumpkins decorating the town, participate in kid-friendly activities and try delicious bites from local vendors.
Amy Stegall, City of Ruston’s Main Street Director and Community Coordinator, highlighted how the event brings a sense of togetherness for Lincoln Parish each Fall.
“Pumpkins in the Park lights up downtown Ruston with a unique blend of fall fun and community spirit,” Stegall said. “It’s an event where pumpkins line the park, laughter fills the air and the heart of Ruston shines through as families and friends gather to celebrate the season together.”
This year, Downtown Ruston will feature a screening of the family-favorite movie “Halloweentown” during the Pumpkins in the Park celebration. Attendees can view pumpkins carved and decorated by local businesses, displayed around Railroad Park. Activities will include children’s face painting, temporary tattoos, and family-friendly games.
The Kona Ice truck will be there along with local favorite Uptown Downtown serving as a food vendor, offering tasty treats for attendees. Morgan Thornhill, owner of Uptown Downtown, shared what the event means to her and expressed her excitement about seeing the reprise of the much-anticipated event.
“Pumpkins in the Park has become one of my favorite family nights of the year. It’s such a fun event that brings all of the warm and fuzzy feeling of fall,” Thornhill said. “Seeing our community come together and enjoy such a simple, yet memorable moment with their family and friends reminds me just how lucky we are to live in such a sweet town.”
Local organizations will be offering fun activities during the event including the Lincoln Parish Library, the LA Tech Union Board and the Sigma Nu Fraternity at La Tech. Union Board President, Cade Jordan, described what his organization will provide for the event.
“We will be providing our screen and projector for the movie, along with providing yard games such as corn hole and kam jam,” Jordan said. “We will also be having some of our members volunteer with face painting and other services. This is our first year to participate and we are so excited.”
Mark your calendars for Pumpkins in Park 2024, and don’t miss out on this exciting fall tradition in Downtown Ruston. Gather your friends and family for an evening of fun-filled festivities, from decorative pumpkin displays and activities to delicious local food and an outdoor movie. It’s the perfect way to embrace the autumn spirit and create special memories in the heart of Ruston.
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