'All about fun,' Greater Sudbury school to display hundreds of pumpkins in annual event

Hundreds of pumpkins will be on display at Sudbury's Algonquin Road Public School on Wednesday as part of the school's annual "spooktacular" event, a tradition that dates back 20 years.

Over 230 intricately carved pumpkins will be lit up in the darkened gym. Bewitching music and Halloween characters will complete the event.

On Tuesday, students from Grades 4 to 8 spent two hours carving their own jack-o'-lanterns. 

"We have lots of parents who come and help. It's a wonderful opportunity for the kids," said Petra Demeyere, the resource teacher at the school, who has been organizing the event since its inception.

"I just like to see the kids have fun and do something that's different… It's a good community builder and a good outreach to the parents and the families of our school."

Demeyere notes that the event fosters connections among students, parents, and teachers, creating a sense of belonging and unity within the school community.

"The kids each have their own pumpkin carving pattern that they put on the pumpkin. Then they poke holes through their pumpkin. They take the pattern off and then they use little tiny pumpkin sauce and they create their masterpieces. The kids can just explore their creative sculpting techniques," explains the teacher.

Grade 6 student Robbie Mallory says he enjoys carving pumpkins every year. 

"I think it's amazing cause we're the only school that does it every year. I'm having lots of fun here," he said.

Classmate Tatum Banora agrees, calling the event "fun."

"I think it's gonna turn out fire and better than everyone else's. We've been doing this for a couple of years," he said.

Demeyere adds, "The motivation is fun. It's all about fun."