Norwood's Pumpkin Float Gets Hundreds In The Spirit

NORWOOD, MA - Hundreds of people caught the Halloween spirit a bit early as they flocked to the pond behind Hawes Pool Sunday evening for the second annual Pumpkin Float.

The event, run by the Norwood Recreation Department and sponsored by TD Bank, capped off a weekend of fun activities to celebrate the upcoming holiday in a safe and family-friendly environment. The light rain earlier in the evening held off for a successful celebration.

"This is my favorite event of the year," said Recreation Department Assistant Director Katie Seastedt. "And it's my favorite weekend of the year. It's awesome to see all the kids so excited."

Families were fully engaged in the event. Many spent the day carving pumpkins and then dropping off to watch them become aglow as they floated into the twilight. Stars, ghosts, jack-o'-lanterns and Hello Kitty were just some of the creative designs on display.

Gary and Debbie Cormier brought their daughter to enjoy the day. They spent part of the afternoon at the adjoining playground before dropping off their freshly designed pumpkin.

"We were looking for something to do as a family," said Gary, a New Hampshire native who spotted the event on Facebook. "We moved here at the end of last year, so this is our first Halloween here."

They spent the morning decorating the pumpkin as a family, he added. Because he is relatively new to the area, he nearly left the pumpkin at the Hawes Pool, not realizing that the ponds are further down the path.

"I think it's great to see the community so involved," Gary continued. "You have the scouts here making s'mores. It's all about family."

Many of the kids came in their costumes, adding a touch of sweetness to the day. A fireman, butterfly and princess showed off their Halloween garb as they checked out the carvings.

As the day grew darker, a deejay kept the crowd's spirits pumping. Songs including "Thriller" and "Monster Mash" sparked dancing around the pond's edge as glow sticks were inserted into the more than 50 donated pumpkins about to set sail on the pond.

Volunteers placed them on floaters, hoping they would glide to the other side of the pond laced with tiki torches. When the undercurrent worked against the pumpkins and clustered them near the shore, they sprang into action. With a paddle and a hockey stick in hand, they maveured through the pond in a canoe, guiding the glowing gourds toward the pond's center.

Vivian Herrera came out from Stoughton. She also found out about the event on Google when she decided to take her grandkids from Stoughton and Canton.

"We ran, got a bunch of pumpkins and started carving," she said. "I just thought this was exciting, and it doesn't cost a fortune."

Asked about the designs, she joked, "We tried."

"I'm just really excited to see it," added Ashley Smith. "It's my first time out here, and it's really cool."

A food truck supplied hot dogs, sausages, fried dough and popcorn, adding flavor to the festivities. Scouts offered s'mores for dessert, roasted over fire pits.

Within the first hour, more than 500 people filled the field surrounding the pond with cars continuing to flow into the parking lot.

This was the final event of the four-day series. The Recreation Department held the Trunk or Treat the previous day, which also attracted more than 500 people. Earlier in the evening, the Castle Island Brewing Company held a Patriots viewing party.

For more information about the Norwood Recreation Department, click the link.