Volunteers from the Children’s Center, Friends of Silvermont and their friends began preparations for the “Revenge of the White Squirrels” and “Lighted Pumpkin Patch” events that will take place in October in Silvermont Park. The extensive collection of lighted pumpkin and other Halloween decorations that were previously part of the “Stingy Jacks” display in Pisgah Forest have been donated to the County.

Using these decorations, the Children’s Center and Friends of Silvermont will transform Silvermont Park as witches, pirates, spiders, bats, scary squirrels and jack-o-lanterns stage a haunting. Children’s activities will feature a “Scary Squirrel Search,” walks through the “Haunted Pumpkin Patch” trails, numerous games and refreshments

To begin preparing for the event, volunteers moved the collection of thousands of carved pumpkin decorations from the barn at the “Mountains & Meadows” property of Alisha Swicegood, donor of the “Stingy Jacks” collection. Josh Leder, owner of Brevard Lumberyard, has made one of his storage areas available for staging of the decorations. Page Lemel, owner of Keystone Camp has offered a Quonset hut on the camp property for permanent storage of the decorations when they are not being used.

In addition to these community-spirited helpers who are already contributing efforts, the groups are seeking additional volunteers to help with moving and set-up on the grounds, as well as staffing of the event. Contact Pinkie Byrd at pinkieby@gmail.com or 828.885.8201 if you would like to volunteer.

The Pumpkin Patch events will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night in October beginning October 9 at Silvermont Park on East Main Street.  The cost will be $5 per person, with proceeds going to benefit Silvermont and The Children’s Center. During the events, no parking will be available at the park except for handicapped parking. The trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information, call 885-7286 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pumpkinpatchrevenge.