JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson’s community pumpkin sale celebrates its 46th year on Saturday Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jackson Elementary School’s (JES) Davey Field.
Over 30 volunteers come together to form a huge conveyor belt, passing pumpkins from Smith’s delivery truck pallets all the way to the grassy field.
In keeping up with the times, a wide assortment of pumpkins are available. Traditional pumpkins, in size mini, small for baking, medium and large, as well as white and bumpy knuckleheads will be set out in a pumpkin patch arrangement. The pumpkins are sourced through Smith’s from a local Idaho farm. About 1,500 pumpkins will be sold on a first come, first serve basis and carving kits will be available. Parents and children are invited to walk around the patch to choose their favorite one to carve and display.
Historically, the pumpkin sale was located on the town square. Three years ago, the pumpkin sale moved to JES green field to accommodate growing community engagement and more accessible parking. Approximately 500 people came out last year to enjoy what has become a fall festival-like event.
“The community, feel and location has nurtured a fall festival,” Tracy Poduska JES Principle said. “Grab baked goods, enjoy a hot chocolate, get a cute photo booth family picture and choose your pumpkin. Hats off to our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) because they take care of everything.”
For almost a half century, the pumpkin sale has been a fundraiser for the PTO. The pumpkin sale revenue goes directly to JES teachers to fund classroom upgrades, field trips and educational programming. The PTO raised $6,500 last year for the teachers and students.
“This is a fun, inclusive community event that provides extra support to the staff of JES,” PTO Vice President and committee chair Shauna Lockhart said. “We started out ordering only classic pumpkins and have added other fun varieties over the years.”
This year’s addition of Tacos Don Felix food truck, coffee service, professional and amateur face painters, a bouncy house and longer hours ensures for a festive autumn celebration.
“We try to find creative ways for the Pumpkin Sale to improve each year and include more community members” PTO Co-Presidents Juniper Troxel and Ali Wheeler said. “It’s a nice fall feeling and everyone is excited to celebrate the holiday.”
Families can sit in the western theme photo booth set in front of hay bales and take home a photograph. The bake sale table will have an assortment of cookies and baked goods. JES merchandise will be sold, including beanies, baseball caps, buffs, t-shirts and new JES sun shirts.
The Jackson Hole High School Art Club students will be face painting in order to raise funds for over 3,000 displaced students in Lahaina, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. The high school students are working directly with students in Lahaina to support them in a number of ways, including materials to make art kits.
Approximately 40 volunteers are needed to man booths and form the pumpkin unloading assembly line. Locals are welcome to come by and just grab a pumpkin or stay to enjoy the day. There is no entrance fee.
