Is it even October if you’re not elbow-deep in a pumpkin, scooping out slime and seeds? Arts Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler are challenging locals to put their carving skills to the test with this year’s Tour de Pumpkins, sponsored by Nesters Market.
Scheduled to take place at Florence Petersen Park on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m., all are invited to get into the Halloween spirit with a free, self-guided walk through a community display of jack-o’-lanterns.
Three prizes are up for grabs—one each for families, individuals and local businesses/organizations. The “most artistic, impactful design” in each category will earn the title of winning pumpkin, according to Arts Whistler. Prizes will be announced at 7:30 p.m.
Individual participants must check in their carved creations by 5:30 p.m. at the park’s entrance, just behind the Whistler Public Library. Pumpkins can be collected after the event and displayed at home, or left with Arts Whistler for composting. Businesses interested in joining are also asked to email abrowne@artswhistler. com to commit to the contest prior to the event. Participating businesses can bring their carved submissions to Florence Petersen Park by 5 p.m. on Saturday, or drop pumpkins off at the Maury Young Arts Centre on Oct. 29 between noon and 6 p.m.
For eager carvers facing economic barriers, 50 pumpkins have been donated to the Whistler Food Bank ahead of Halloween. The event will also feature music and entertainment from Monster DJ’s, Tia Horn, Paintertainment, Jazz the Balloon Man and live painting from Whistler’s 2021 Champion of Arts and Culture Dave Petko.
