For me, fall isn’t just about sweater weather, cozy evenings, and hot cocoa (though I’ll never say no to those). It’s about The Gr8 Pumpkin—an event I’ve been part of since I was 16. What started as helping out has turned into a yearly tradition I can’t imagine life without.

Finding My Voice as Bob — If you’ve ever stopped by the event, you might have met Bob the Pumpkin. He’s playful, a little goofy, and always ready to chat with kids. Well, that’s me behind the scenes—I’ve been Bob’s voice for years. Watching kids giggle and smile when Bob talks back to them is pure magic. It’s one of those things that keeps me coming back every year.

Props, Pumpkins & Plenty of Creativity—Every year, I get to roll up my sleeves and build new props based on what’s trending. From themed backdrops to photo-worthy sets, it’s always fun to bring a little bit of the year’s culture into the event. Families don’t just walk by—they stop, take pictures, and make memories with something I dreamed up.

And then there are the pumpkins. Lots of pumpkins. So many pumpkins! One of my favorite projects is hand carving more than 12 real pumpkins every Halloween for a Nightmare Before Christmas display, complete with Jack, Sally, and Zero set up on haybales. It’s become a must-see photo spot, and honestly, I love seeing people pose with something that took hours (and hours) of carving.

The First Look—I also help design what I think of as the “first impression”—the moment you step into the event. Picture lanterns glowing, hand-carved pumpkins lining the way, and a friendly greeter making you feel right at home. It’s not just decoration; it’s about setting the tone so you know you’ve arrived somewhere special.

Why It Means So Much—The Gr8 Pumpkin is more than an event to me. It’s where I grew up, where I found lifelong friends, and where I get to give a little joy back to the community. Every fall, I get to blend storytelling, art, and tradition into something bigger than myself.

So if you’re looking for a place that feels like Halloween magic come to life, check out Gr8Pumpkin.com. Stop by, say hi to Bob, grab a photo with Jack and Sally, and enjoy a night surrounded by pumpkins carved with love.