Halloween pumpkins will get one final outing in Kamloops as residents are invited to smash, roll, toss and stomp their jack-o’-lanterns at the City of Kamloops’ annual Pumpkin Smash.

The free, family-friendly event gives people a chance to bring their pumpkins to McArthur Island for a morning of activities after Halloween. Instead of sending old jack-o’-lanterns straight to the garbage, residents can take part in a community event where the pumpkins will eventually be composted.

The event is designed to make pumpkin disposal a little more entertaining, with games that let participants put their leftover decorations to use. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes one more time, extending the seasonal fun into the first weekend of November.

One of the main attractions will be the pumpkin drops. Throughout the event, pumpkins will be dropped from a Parks truck bucket lift and a Kamloops Fire Rescue truck ladder, giving spectators a chance to watch the pumpkins break apart below. The program will also include pumpkin games, face painting, a photo booth, educational booths and food trucks.

Families can also take part in pumpkin passports, which involve playing activities and entering for a chance to win a prize. The mix of games and demonstrations makes the event an option for residents looking for an outdoor activity after Halloween, whether they bring a pumpkin of their own or simply come to watch.

A kid dropping a pumpkin at the previous pumpkin patch event- photo credits by City of kamloops

A kid dropping a pumpkin at the previous pumpkin patch event | Photo credit: City of Kamloops

The City will have some pumpkins available for people who do not bring one from home, although supplies may be limited. Residents are encouraged to bring their own jack-o’-lanterns if they have them.

The event also highlights what happens to the pumpkins afterward. All pumpkins collected during the Pumpkin Smash will be composted, turning the remains into organic material rather than sending them to landfill. Residents who cannot attend can also compost pumpkins at City yard waste sites or in their curbside organics cart.

A flexible plastics recycling pop-up will take place nearby in the disc golf parking lot. Residents can bring candy wrappers and other flexible plastics for recycling and receive a reusable pink tote bag while supplies last.

The Pumpkin Smash takes place Sunday, November 1, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Soccer 1 and 2 parking lots at McArthur Island, 1655 Island Parkway. Admission is free.

Event details are available through the City of Kamloops Pumpkin Smash page