Pumpkin Walk might be back on

It looks like the Pumpkin Walk still has some life.

Town of Barrhead councillors unanimously voted during their Sept. 11 meeting to approve a request in principle to grant a newly-formed community group the use of the Barrhead Sports Grounds for the popular event.

The decision was in response to a letter, by the Pumpkin Walk Committee which is spearheading the effort to keep it alive.

The walk sees children receive treats while following a path of jack-o-lanterns carved by local school students.

The event was started 12 years ago by Pembina West Co-op when manager Allan Cote noticed Barrhead did not have any family-friendly, safe alternatives to trick-or-treating.

In May, the Co-op announced it wouldn’t be able to organize the event due to its many projects, most notably the construction of a new food store slated for completion this fall.

However, the Co-op said it would support another business or organization’s efforts to continue the Pumpkin Walk.

“We know that the time frame is short, but we still feel that it is possible to make everything work,” stated Pumpkin Walk Committee member Amanda Lambert in the letter dated Sept. 7.

She said the event would be mirrored after last year’s walk, but perhaps on a smaller level.

Lambert noted that she has met with parks and recreation director Shallon Touet, who said his department would supply fire pits, garbage cans, and porta-potties with council’s approval.

Currently, the committee is still in its beginning phases. Among other things, they are still looking for volunteers to sit on the committee, which will consist of 10 people, including two co-chairs, a treasurer and secretary.

“Our hopes are to get more of the community involved. Types of involvement could include setting up a booth, financial backing, joining the committee and volunteering,” Lambert said.

Chief administrative officer Martin Taylor said that while he supported the committee’s efforts, he believed there are a number of questions the group needed to answer before the town signed off on the usage of the sports grounds.

“Who are the volunteers and how will they be identified? Because if something goes wrong I’m the one who’s going to get the phone call,” he said.

Other questions Taylor posed included who would be responsible for clean up, how many attendees they expect (as that would impact the number of porta-potties and garbage cans needed), and how many town staff that would be needed.

“My concern is always the safety of the public and right now I don’t have enough information,” he said.

Mayor Dave McKenzie said that while he understands Tayor’s concerns, his initial impression after speaking with Lambert is that the committee has done a lot of research and is as prepared as they can be, considering they’ve never staged the event before.

Coun. Rod Klumph agreed, stating the committee appears to be doing everything it needs to do. He said the main concernq would be liability.

“The event will be held on the sports grounds and they are covered by insurance for accidents and injuries,” he said.