Schools set to light up the night

The tradition continues as the second annual Pumpkin Lantern Festival puts the call out for pumpkin carvers.

“I think it will be really fun to get the whole town involved and come together,” said Taine Fischbuch, 16, who is a student at Cochrane High School.

“It is fun to come see what the town is putting on and see all the cool pumpkins.”

Last year, Cochrane High School hosted the inaugural festival at Cochrane Ranche, raising money for the Cochrane High student council. The idea was inspired by Tofino, B.C.’s, annual Pumpkin Lantern Festival – organizers thought it was a great event idea to bring the community together while helping raise funds for a good cause.

The 2015 festival brought out approximately 1,000 guests walking through Cochrane Historical Ranche last October as businesses, community groups, families and individuals submitted their creative carvings.

“It is a non-commercialized festival that celebrates talent, (while) beautifully lighting up a park and people coming together. It highlights a simple fun,” said Darlene Kozub, organizer.

This year, organizers wanted to include as many schools in Cochrane as possible to make the event bigger and better.

“I think this year will be better – it is good to get involved in things in your town and everyone can get excited about Halloween,” said Cochrane High School Student Joseph Cline, 16.

Cochrane High School students spearheaded the first festival but this year the school’s students will be participating along with Bow Valley High, Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees, Elizabeth Barrett Elementary, Glenbow Elementary, Manachaban Middle School, and Mitford School.

Those entering pumpkins can choose which respective school to support.

“It is such a magical night, a wonderful celebration of fall – people can come to something that is local and get together with students and just be a part of the community,” said Carrie Cline, organizer.

The festival will also host food trucks, musical performers, buskers, hot chocolate and a warming tent if the weather gets too chilly.

“Please come even if it is cold this year, just dress warm – and even in the snow the pumpkins will look absolutely beautiful,” Kozub said.

The second annual Pumpkin Lantern Festival will be held at the Cochrane Historic Ranche site, located just off Highway 1A, on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Pumpkin drop off will be from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Ranche site on Oct. 28, or a pick up service will be available on the same day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry forms are available at each participating school or for more information email, [email protected].