Despite rain, cold and wind, on Saturday, October 28, Heartland Forest, in partnership with the Tender Wishes Foundation, hosted the 3rd Annual Pumpkinfest.

It is estimated that 500 guests visited the property during the day. There were 173 children of Wish families as well as Friends of Heartland Forest and their families.

Almost 1,700 pumpkins decorated the entrance and lined the property and trails. Many of the pumpkins were carved into imaginative shapes and styles of faces and one was even fashioned to resemble "Woody" the woodfrog, Heartland’s mascot. Treats, and some tricks, were handed out and/or performed by the many furry mascots that roamed around the trails and played with the children.

Children's faces were painted, hands were dipped and pressed onto a large display board and many children wore costumes. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, fried pumpkin skins, and many treats so no one left hungry. The children's smiles and comments from the families were moving.

Every family had their picture taken in the giant pumpkin. Even the Tender Wishes dogs enjoyed a spot in the limelight. Several talented volunteers spent the afternoon taking digital pictures that were downloaded into a computer set up in the school room. The photos were then printed by volunteer, Mohammed, from Staples-in Niagara Falls and given to the children and their parents before they left for the day... a lasting memory of some good fun together.

Woodcarver, Stephan Forrin, was set up in the storage classroom due to the cold and rain. Next time we have to get Stephan out where the action is so everyone can enjoy his talents and take part in carving something.

Niagara Falls mayoralty candidate, Ted Salci, turned out to meet and greet everyone as well as local MPP, Kim Craitor. The Niagara Region police child safety department’s Karsten Askeland was present and nurse, Carol Caron, was on the premises to make sure any scrapes or bumps were quickly taken care of. The new, family-style, accessible washroom was also finished and being used. It is roomy enough for large wheelchairs or scooters and will serve visitors with disabilities well during future events.

The next day, Sunday, Oct. 29, Heartland played host to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization and had about 50 guests on the property. They also carved pumpkins , toured the trails, and brought along some of their own games . The atmosphere, although smaller, was just as enthusiastic and everyone had fun.