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Nearly 1,000 carved pumpkins to light up Grafton Hill neighborhood

DAYTON — Organizers are bringing back some holiday events this year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to cancel last year.

Starting tonight, Stoddard Avenue in Dayton will be closed for one of the neighborhoods favorite fall traditions – the Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow.

There will be nearly 1,000 uniquely carved pumpkins on display.

“It’s really become a tradition here in Dayton for the whole community to come out and celebrate fall and pumpkins,” said John Edinger who is the Grafton Hill Association President.

For the last 26 years, volunteers have had fun cutting and carving pumpkins.

“Ugh, just the pumpkins. Seeing the children, their reaction – its so much fun and it’s like no other,” said Christina Panagouleas-Stephens who is a volunteer from the Greek Orthodox Church.

All skills are welcome, and no pumpkin is the same, which is out of this world. COVID-19 forced last year’s event to be cancelled, but this year – organizers said they are happy to bring this tradition back in a safe manner.

“It’s been a lot of fun this year. We had great volunteers. We had to wear masks inside the tent with the Dayton mask mandate and everyone was worried about that and just pushed through,” Edinger said.

Families can check out the spooky display tonight and tomorrow night 6-10 p.m. to grab a cup of hot chocolate and check out all of the pumpkins.

>>PHOTO GALLERY: Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow

The annual event is free to the public and no ticket is necessary.

According to organizers, food trucks from El Meson, The Family Bean Coffee Truck and Urban BBQ will also be on the location to enjoy.

Stoddard Avenue will be closed in the area of Grafton Hill from 5-11 p.m. on both nights.

Organizers said parking is available at the Dayton Art Institute, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and in the area around the Grafton Hill neighborhood.

For more information, visit www.graftonhill.org.


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