JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson’s community Pumpkin Sale and Fall Festival celebrates its 48th year on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jackson Elementary School’s (JES) Davey Field.
Hundreds of people came out last year to enjoy what has become a festival-like event, according to JES’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Historically, the pumpkin sale was located on the Town Square. Five years ago, the pumpkin sale moved to JES’s green field to accommodate growing community engagement and more accessible parking.
The pumpkin sale continues to be a fundraiser organized by the PTO Board to help fund JES staff and students, including classroom upgrades and supplies, field trips and educational programming. Last year, students enjoyed field trips to the Snow King Planetarium and Astoria Hot Springs.
PTO Co-President Juniper Troxel told Buckrail that the “beloved event” will be a day filled with pumpkins, fun and community spirit.
“Last year, we had a fantastic turnout from students, staff and families at the pumpkin sale,” Troxel said.
Parents and children are invited to walk around the patch to choose their favorite pumpkin to carve and display. A wide assortment of pumpkins will be available, including traditional pumpkins, white pumpkins and bumpy knuckleheads. The pumpkins are sourced through Smith’s from a local Idaho farm, and once all the gourds arrive, volunteers will form a huge conveyor belt to pass pumpkins from the delivery truck to JES’s grassy field. About 1,500 pumpkins will be sold on a first come, first served basis and carving kits will be available.
According to the PTO, there will be a few extra attractions this year, including the Cowboy Coffee cart, a castle-themed obstacle course bounce house, a pie selection at the bake sale and a photo booth. Participants can also enjoy the several face painting stations, as well as a “special booth run by the ‘kid’ officers” of the JES Parent Teacher Kid Organization. Community members are encouraged to come hungry because there will be a food truck on site.
The entire community is invited to attend the event. There is no entrance fee.
