Pumpkin Festival returns to Weston with fun, carving and giving back

Fun and pumpkins will be returning to the Town Green this month.

The Pumpkin Festival is an annual event featuring student performances, fall treats and, of course, the chance to carve pumpkins. A variety of activities will be available at tables on the Town Green. Money raised from the event will go to Camp Sunshine, a Maine-based organization providing retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Eunice Sung Won Feller, a chef instructor at Weston High School, has helped coordinate the event for the past five years.

“Every year, the kids bring it together,” Feller said. “Although I’ve done this many years, I’m so proud of them.”

In addition to events throughout the festival, organizers raise money through a raffle. This year prizes include tickets to Weston Friendly Society shows, college counseling sessions and the chance for elementary students to be principal for the day.

Feller said having the annual event in such a public place shines a light on the type of charity work students do throughout the year. She said many of the school clubs are focused on helping others.

“So much of the good students do doesn’t get seen, but this is right in the town center,” she said.

Feller added that coming to the Pumpkin Festival is more than a fun day or a chance to give back. It is a chance to show the town supports the work students are doing.

“They’re not just supporting Camp Sunshine,” Feller said. “They’re supporting their children.”