By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Berlin’s Halloween events continue as the Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee gears up for its Pumpkins in the Park event.

Businesses and individuals can donate $25 to the group, which will be used for Berlin beautification efforts. In return, they will receive a pumpkin and glow light. They may decorate the fall gourd however they desire, and it will be displayed around the pond at Stephen Decatur Park for spectators.

On Friday, Oct. 25, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., town residents and visitors can browse the decorated and carved pumpkins and vote on their favorite.

According to Berlin Economic and Community Development Administrative Assistant Allison Early, public works will go to the designated spot and cut stumps so that the pumpkins will have a place to rest when it comes time for voting.

While around 20 have already entered, pumpkins are still available for anyone interested in throwing their hat into the ring.

“We will not run out; anyone that wants in can get in,” Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said. “The more pumpkins we have, the more interesting the walk will be.”

Early said that the fundraiser idea came from the horticulture group’s chair, Andrea Weeg, as a way to raise money for the committee and the town’s beautification efforts.

“That group always has phenomenal ideas that they want to execute, so it’s a great thing to participate in,” Early said. “We wanted to make it cheap and easy. We wanted kids to do it and a way to raise money for them…Keeping up with green spaces and buying the plants and the tools cost money.”

Early said that the community is getting involved in preparing for the event. We Heart Berlin’s Tony Weeg and Bay Street Blooms are buying candy for the festivities, and local glassblower Jeff Auxer has handcrafted pumpkin trophies to be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners in the autumnal competition.

Early said that Sisters and Little Green Witch Apothecary have already signed on to enter their decorated pumpkins.

Participants and spectators are also encouraged to wear costumes.

“Events like this are more about the community,” Early said. “It brings the surrounding community to Berlin rather than making it about tourism. It is something we can all do together. It is another excuse to wear a costume and see your friends.”

Wells maintained the Town of Berlin can help out those interested in sponsoring a pumpkin but not in its decoration. Participants should reach out to Early at aearly@berlinmd.gov by Oct. 15 to enter.