Families enjoy splunkin’ pumpkins at annual pumpkin splash

 

[November 18, 2024] 

Saturday, November 16, 2024, was not quite as pleasant as the same day of the week last year when the Lincoln Park Foundation hosted its first pumpkin splash at Kickapoo park on the north side of Lincoln. Park Superintendent John Fink noted the difference and said that while he was holding out hope, he was afraid that there would not be many who would come out on the damp, windy, chilly day to enjoy the exuberance of throwing pumpkins over the edge of the parks centerpiece bridge just to watch them splash.

Fink and his two children were on hand to keep an eye out for visitors and offer assistance where needed.

VIDEO – Pumpkin Splunkin’ at Kickapoo Creek Park

He was excited when one family arrived and took a little bit to let the little ones push pumpkins off the rail of the bridge and down, down, down, to land in a big splash into Kickapoo Creek.

Fink said that there was a good turnout of people dropping off their expiring jack-o-lanterns and other pumpkins no longer needed in their home décor. The pile of pumpkins under the big tree at the edge of the road testified to the truth of his statement.

In addition to what had been left behind by local folks, Fink said he also had a bunch of pumpkins in his truck that had been donated by the local wholesale food distributor, Sysco. Fink said what was in the truck would be dispersed into the creek but also he planned to bust several up and put them out in the deer and wildlife grazing areas in the park.

This is the second year the Parks Foundation has hosted the pumpkin splash at Kickapoo Park. Other events were also hosted at the Community Garden on Logan Street and Madigan State Park.

[Nila Smith]