The beginning of autumn brings changing leaves, flourishing pumpkins and Halloween preparation. In Calabasas, one can indulge in the spirit of fall, ghosts and ghouls at the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival in De Anza Park. The event will take place from Oct. 20 through the 21, and will feature a multitude of activities that people of all ages can partake in.

Attendees are able to participate in many activities at the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival due to its low admission price of $5. Some of the featured activities include inflatable rides, a giant slide, live bands, carnival games and reptile shows. In addition, food, jewelry, art and pumpkins are available for purchase.

“The festival is over a 50 year tradition,” said Bridget Karl, the President of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, “Anything that the Chamber collects from face painting, pumpkin painting, balloons, etc. automatically goes to the education committee.”

Since there are many CHS student volunteers who take part in this event, the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival also brings the community together. This is also an outstanding way for student volunteers to receive community service hours.

“[Volunteering at the festival last year] was a really great opportunity,” said Junior Toni Sokol. “I was glad to help the community, and it was fun to meet such nice people.”

Volunteers can be seen working at various booths such as face painting and booths with a wide array of items for sale. They also have a large role in the cleanup at the end.

This festival is a significant event for the Calabasas community, as well as surrounding communities because of its ability to bring in revenue for nonprofit organizations and provide a place of interaction for all. It has been an annual occurrence for many years, and community members really look forward to it every year.

“We get calls as early as May asking when the pumpkin festival is happening. And the vendors will call a week after the festival asking if we’re on for next year. A lot of young kids call and ask if certain attractions will be there,” said Karl, “They get geared up [for the event].”

The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival continues to be an important community event, where everyone can get involved and have a blast. Whether a person is helping plan the event, volunteering his or her time by working it or just being present to have some fun, there is a role for everyone to take part in.