Kids, pumpkins and Halloween joy
Pumpkin season is here, and with Halloween lurking around the corner, the Shelter Island PTSA brought the magic of Autumn to life with a spooky/fun pumpkin-painting event for younger kids.
Billy Martin, the owner of a newly opened Island garden center, Hidden Garden, and Laurene Silvani, a member of the PTSA, got together to create more enjoyable activities for kids. “I grew up here, and I feel like there are not enough things on the Island for kids to do,” said Mr. Martin, who graciously held the event inside Hidden Garden, surrounded by lush plants and a welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s a great space and it gives something for the kids to do,” Ms. Silvani said.
Kids in Pre-K through 4th grades came to have fun and paint pumpkins. Festive fall treats were provided, from pumpkin-themed cookies and brownies to cupcakes and marshmallows. The atmosphere was cozy and full of energy, with the sounds of kids’ laughter and excitement filling the room.
“Laureen was buying something when she and Billy got talking, and then this happened,” said Amy Mitchell, PTSA vice president, gesturing towards the kids. “It’s a good turn out, so maybe it’ll become an annual thing.” Around her young artists beamed while hard at work painting their pumpkins.
What is it about the tradition of carving and decorating pumpkins at Halloween? According to Britannica.com, it comes out of the mists of Irish legend and folklore, with the story of one Stingy Jack, who was clever enough to scam the devil out of money. When Jack died, God wouldn’t let him into heaven and the Devil said he didn’t want any part of him, not even in hell. So Jack was doomed to wander the earth through eternity. The Irish figured they’d carve some demonic faces from turnips to scare Jack away if he ever got too near, especially around the festival of Samhaim at the end of October. This is the time, the Irish believed, when this world and the spiritual world are separated only by the thinnest of veils. In the great wave of Irish immigration to America in the 19th century they found pumpkins as perfect substitutes for turnips.
But the kids having fun at the Hidden Garden didn’t need to know that. It was just a time and place to get their hands and imaginations in close contact with pumpkins. Like 5th grader Evelyn Restani and kindergartener Max Restani painting a cool-looking spooky pumpkin, while 6th grader Piper Surerus helped out 2nd grader Silas Restani. “We’re making a vampire pumpkin,” Piper said.
First grader Francesco deLeon was creating a stand-out pumpkin with bright green features, while younger sister Eva deLeon was crafting an electric pumpkin with bright and unique colors; she had so much fun that she painted more than one.
Eva also mentioned that for Halloween, she plans to be a witch and a unicorn.
Heartwarming moments unfolded in the front of Hidden Garden, where the impressive pumpkins were displayed while kids ran around. All agreed that this enchanting paint party should become an annual Autumn tradition.
