The Hot Springs School District will hold its fifth annual Pumpkin Light Night from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday in Joe Reese Stadium at Hot Springs World Class High School in a "festive event celebrating the HSSD," a news release said.
"Stephanie Goodman at our junior academy had helped with a similar event at a different school she served at, and did it here and everybody just loved it," event planner and communications coordinator Adriane Barnes said.
This year's event will feature bounce houses, candy, booths and games from each of the district's clubs and organizations, entertainment from eight student groups, Flossy's, Kona and Big Mike's food trucks and a decorated pumpkin contest.
Oaklawn Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School strings and dance company, HSSD fifth- and sixth-grade cheerleaders, Hot Springs Junior Academy cheerleaders, choir and dance, Hot Springs World Class High School choir and HSSD's Dance Troupe and T-Steppers will all perform.
The pumpkin decorating contest is different from last year in that parents can bring pumpkins their family or student has painted at home, Barnes said. This year's theme is "Storybook." The winner will receive a gift card for $50. Second and third place will receive $25 and $10 gift cards, respectively. To be considered in the competition, pumpkins will need to be brought to Joe Reese Stadium by 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Barnes said.
Since the event is only two days away and trunk or treat themed, parents and students alike are encouraged to attend in costume, Barnes said.
"We haven't done it so close to Halloween the past few years, so we're excited to do it as a trunk or treat," she said.
Entry to Pumpkin Light Night is free and open to the community. Food will be available from the food trucks and items may be available from various student groups for a fee.
As of Friday, 130 people were "going" and 597 were "interested" according to the event's Facebook page.
Barnes said attendance has been at least 1,000 each year, but she expects 1,200-1,500 to attend this year, which is nearly half of the district's student population.
The student involvement and performance aspects are an important part of the event for not only the students involved, but those that attend, Barnes said.
"We do so many fun events and programs, but this is one of the few that involves K-12. So at the district level, it brings the Trojan family together to highlight every opportunity for our kids to be involved," she said.
"It shows our kids all the different ways to take pride in being a Trojan. So it's very important for our kids and our community."
Local on 10/28/2019