Fall festival and pumpkin Patch at Lampe Park

Staff Reports

The 14th annual Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Lampe Park Pavilion in Gardnerville. The event is sponsored by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's 4-H program, Douglas County Parks and Recreation, and Joe Benigno's Tree Service.

The festival features a costume contest in the pumpkin patch at noon, fun run, food, raffle, silent auction, horse rides, face painting, petting zoo, cakewalk and carnival games. Expect a visit from Smokey Bear and demonstrations by martial artists, gymnastics groups and the Sheriff's K-9 unit.

"We always enjoy partnering with parks and recreation to put this on," said Shannon Montana, Douglas County 4-H youth development coordinator, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. "For the fourth year, Joe Benigno's Tree Service is generously donating the pumpkins that will be sold for our 4-H fundraiser, and hosting the prizes for the costume contest. Benigno is providing prizes for the costume contest and has arranged for members of the fire department to judge it. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.

"The Fall Festival has become a tradition here in Douglas. It's a perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and get together with your family and neighbors," Montana said.

There are fees for food, pumpkins and some activities. Information, contact Montana at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 782-9960. To pre-register for the fun run only, call parks and recreation at 782-9828.

Fun Run

The Douglas County Parks & Recreations Fall Pumpkin Run begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 in Lampe Park. The fun run costs $3 for children preschool through fifth grade. Register at recreation office, 1327 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville.

Races are in distances determined by age. Participants receive ribbons with prizes going to the top three runners of each heat. First place wins a turkey, second wins a pumpkin pie, and third picks a pumpkin. All prizes must be claimed by the final race.

The fun run is sponsored by Costco and Walmart. To help sponsor the event, contact the recreation department at 782-9828.