City government outreach initiative #BGGovToGo is partnering with the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department to host the fourth annual Pumpkin Palooza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Circus Square Park.

The free event is open to the public and will include live music from Menagerie, kid-friendly games, arts and crafts, pumpkins on display and an adult pumpkin carving contest with prizes for the overall winners. The first-place winner will get two tickets to a Western Kentucky University home football game. Second place receives two tickets to a WKU men’s basketball home game and third place receives a gift certificate for a 12-count box of chocolate-covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements.

Pumpkins will be judged on overall appearance, originality, uniqueness and creativity and harmony of the design. People interested in having pumpkins on display can turn in pumpkins by 6 p.m. at Circus Square Park the day of the event. Pumpkins will also be accepted in advance at the F. O. Moxley Community Center, 225 E. Third Ave.

Additionally, the event will have food and drinks, a cake walk and the Bowling Green Fire Department will set up its Fire Safety Trailer. Attendees will get the opportunity to meet elected officials and get tips for a safe Halloween.

Community Center Supervisor Cathy Maroney said they wanted to do something more as a community outreach from their division that was free to families. 

“It’s a good family activity and great for family to interact,” she said.

Maroney anticipates a larger crowd this year with the WKU Homecoming Parade also happening downtown. She encourages people to check out the pep rally at Fountain Square Park and then bring children down to Pumpkin Palooza for a family-friendly atmosphere.

“We’re hoping to get some alumni to come down and bring their families. It kind of helps compliment each other there,” she said. 

— Follow faith/general assignments reporter Simone C. Payne on Twitter @_SimonePayne or visit bgdailynews.com.