Pismo beach hosts annual “Pumpkins in the Park” event

Those who were walking from Shell Beach to Dinosaur Caves Park on Oct. 28 heard music, saw bouncy houses from Central Coast Party Factory and children playing during Pismo Beach’s annual Pumpkins in the Park Event. 

The event featured pumpkin carving, music from DJ Bob, a magic show from San Luis Obispo magician Derek Hood, arts and crafts, downtown trick-or-treating, food trucks and a costume contest.

City of Pismo Beach Recreational Manager Colleen Ghiglia said that this event was mainly possible due to the over 60 volunteers that came and helped.

“Those volunteers are from Alpha Phi Omega from Cal Poly, from Cal Poly Child Development Center, from Arroyo Grande High School, and lastly, we have 30 volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” Ghiglia said.

Public health junior Shin Liow is a pledge for Cal Poly’s chapter of the community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega.

“I actually am trying to become a [Physician’s Assistant] PA, and I want to specialize in pediatrics.” Liow said “I think this is a great experience,” 

Shell Beach resident Yvonne Blair was one of the many Pismo locals that attended Pumpkins in the Park. Blair has been attending this event since she was a child and now brings her children.

“This is just another thing that the rec department and Cal Poly students and other people in the community just add to keeping it a community and family-oriented place,” Blair said.

The city of Pismo Beach is hosting Holiday Harmony on Dec. 1.