November 1, 2007

Williams’ students carve up some Great Pumpkin(s)

By Chrissy Derksen
Special to the Times

Williams Elementary School showed its spirit Friday as the PTA hosted its first Jack-O-Lantern Jam. The event was so over the top that you would never know it was the school’s first!

Event chairs Lisa Schirle and Diane Stevens created a wonderful atmosphere, which following Movie Night and Heritage Day, once again brought the Williams Elementary community and families together to share and celebrate.

“The Jack-O-Lantern Jam was even more successful than anticipated. The Williams PTA successfully handed free pumpkins to anxious students who promptly carved them with some of the most creative designs I have ever seen,” said Stevens.

When participants arrived, they first noticed the lawn had been transformed into a great pumpkin patch, with almost 300 pumpkins ornamenting the green. Some families enjoyed pre-ordered dinners, while others immediately got down to business and started carving their pumpkins.

It was standing-room only for the young artists, and some used the blacktop, because table space was a hot commodity. Many families were clad in their black and orange Williams Elementary School Jack-O-Lantern Jam event shirts.

The fun didn’t stop with the pumpkin carving. Williams’ students were entertained by magician Patrick Reed and had the opportunity to watch “It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!” To enhance the festivities, if that was possible, there was face painting, tattoos and glow sticks available, to secure the Halloween mood.

“The kids were amused and amazed by Patrick Reed the Magician and fully entertained by the showing of Charlie Brown's "The Great Pumpkin" on the wall of one of the portables. The whole evening served as a great way to bring the Williams community together. It was so much fun for everyone, I can't imagine it won't become an annual event,” said Stevens.