Thursday, September 12, 2013

Pumpkin Wall update

The ECA writes:

Hello, Neighbors! We've already received a lot of questions about the Pumpkin Wall, so we'd like to provide a few more details.
First, a special "thank you" to Elizabeth's woodworking group, the Woodpeckers, for sponsoring the Pumpkin Wall for the last decade.  It's become a special neighborhood tradition that has now been passed to the Elizabeth Community Association and new neighborhood volunteers to continue.  A few things to note:
(1) Since the Pumpkin Wall is now officially being sponsored by ECA, it will no longer be political in nature.
(2) We need at least 4-5 new volunteers to step up so this unique tradition can continue.  The volunteer team will simply oversee delivery of the pumpkins, lead the annual "Lighting of the Pumpkins," and generally make sure that enough pumpkin carving supplies are available, etc.  The Woodworkers will continue to actually build the wood support structure.
(3) Key dates:Oct. 21 or 22 -- Volunteers set up pumpkins.Oct. 27 -- Volunteers lead annual lighting of the pumpkins.Nov. 2 -- Volunteers coordinate dismantling with the Woodpeckers.
(4) Will you donate your yard?  The Pumpkin Wall needs a home for 2013.  Flat ground with enough grass in front to allow for mingling/walking/carving.
(5) If you want to see the Pumpkin Wall tradition continue and would like to help, please email ECA at elizabethcommunityassociation@gmail.com or Eric Davis at ericadavis0123@yahoo.com

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Changes coming to the Pumpkin Wall

If I've counted correctly, this will be the tenth year of the Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall. The big change this year: The ECA is taking over. In previous years, a quiet group of neighborhood handypersons known as the Woodpeckers found the spot for the wall, erected the scaffolding, bought a ton of pumpkins, scheduled the lighting, got the word out, etc. I'm guessing perhaps the Woodpeckers have had enough. With the ECA takeover, look for the wall to lose some or all of the overt political messages carried in previous years. Oh, and the ECA is looking for volunteers: 
The Pumpkin Wall is in need of a home for 2013! The area needs to be level ground with enough room in front of the pumpkin display for people to walk. If you have or know of  the perfect space, send [ECA President-elect] Eric Davis a note. The Pumpkin Wall could also use a committee to facilitate and coordinate with the Woodpeckers. The committee would need a chairperson and about three members. If you love Halloween and jack-o'-lanterns and full moons and fun, please consider volunteering so our community can continue this unique tradition!Please contact:  Eric Davis or [ECA Secretary] Diana Watson for details.