The Great Pumpkin Contest & Show
The Great Pumpkin Contest & Show
PORTVILLE, NY - Did you know? The tradition of creating “Jack-O-Lanterns” originated in Ireland with the hollowing out and placement of candles into large turnips and potatoes.The name, Jack-O-Lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named “Stingy Jack”. When Irish immigrants brought the craft to America in the 1800’s, pumpkins were used instead, as they provide a much bigger canvas for the artwork. In time, pumpkins became a very popular symbol of Halloween and the fall carving of this gorgeous gourd continues to be a favorite American pastime.
To celebrate the artistry of pumpkin carving, Pfeiffer Nature Center is hosting a pumpkin carving contest and show along the interpretive trail at Lillibridge. Join in on the fun by entering a pumpkin for the contest, creating one for display or visiting the nature center to place a vote for your favorite pumpkin. This free event is open to folks of all ages and carving capabilities. For pumpkins in the contest, a “popular vote” winner will be chosen and need not be present to claim their prize. Pumpkins can be carved with any theme in mind. Pfeiffer reserves the right for approval for display. The carved pumpkins will be available for viewing between 1:00pm and 7:00pm. Lights inside the pumpkins will be turned on at 4:00pm.
To reserve a free spot for your pumpkin along the trail, RSVP by 4:00pm on Monday, September 28th, or contact the Pfeiffer Nature Center office at 716-933-0187. Carved pumpkins must be dropped off to the cabin at Lillibridge between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Friday, October 2nd or 9:00am and 11:00am Saturday, October 3rd. You can let Pfeiffer staff know at the time of drop-off if you would like to enter the pumpkin in the contest or for show. Your pumpkin can be reclaimed at 7:00pm Saturday, October 3rd or by special arrangement. This event is free to all contestants and visitors. Donations are gratefully accepted. This event will be canceled in the event of rain. If the weather appears questionable, look for a cancellation notice on the top of Pfeiffer Nature Center’s website homepage. Pfeiffer Nature Center is supported by United Way funding.
SUPPORT THE NATURE CENTER - GET A T-SHIRT!
A Letter from Pfeiffer Nature Center
Hello Friends of Pfeiffer Nature Center. We hope that the summer has been good to you and your families. The pandemic certainly has upended many of the great programs and events that we had been planning to bring to our community in 2020. Although we have had fun creating the self-led activities that we place at our properties, we miss the group gatherings and camaraderie which they provide. We look forward to brighter days ahead when we can continue to share in person as we always have.
One of the largest events that Pfieffer Nature Center (PNC) hosts is the annual Woods Walk celebration. This fundraiser is instrumental to keeping Pfeiffer Nature Center open and available to our community. Because we cannot host the walk in our traditional manner, we have modified this year’s Woods Walk with COVID safety measures in mind. The Woods Walk will take place at the Lillibridge Property, 1974 Lillibridge Road, Portville, NY, over a two-week time period beginning on Saturday, September 26th through Monday, October 12th. Two walking routes will be pre-designated for you to choose from and will include an easy 30-minute walk and a moderate 45-minute walk. Or, if you prefer, you can walk any of the trails that you like for as long as you would like. The Lillibridge trails are open from dawn til dusk. Choose a date and time of your liking and enjoy the beauty and charm of our Old Growth Forest. Please follow all COVID social distancing rules that are in place for our protection. We would love for you to send us comments, photos and selfies of your participation to: naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org so we can share them on our website.
To participate, there is a $25 registration fee for adults and a $15 registration fee for children. A Pfeiffer Nature Center t-shirt will be given to each person who registers. Registration and t-shirt orders must be made by Friday, September 18th by visiting our website at www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org or by calling the Nature Center office at 716-933-0187. T-shirts can be picked up at the Pfeiffer Nature Center office, 14 South Main Street, Portville NY, Sept. 26th-27th from 8:00am-Noon, September 29th-Oct. 1st from 10:00am-7:00pm or by calling the office to make a special arrangement. If you would like to support Pfeiffer Nature Center but you are unable to participate in the walk, please consider placing an order for a t-shirt for yourself, your family or friends. Your friendship and support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to seeing you on the trails at Lillibridge!