Annan Harbour Action Group: Pumpkin Patch
Event at a glance:
Location: Dumfries and Galloway
Date: 25 October 2025
Number of Staff & Volunteers: 24
Number of Attendees: 110 children and up to 150 adults
First-time participant? No
Bursary support received: Yes
What they said:
Our Pumpkin Patch event took place on Saturday 25th October at Annan Harbour, bringing together over 100 children and their families for an afternoon of seasonal activities. Participants enjoyed picking their own pumpkins, crafting, face painting, marshmallow toasting, and capturing memories at our photo zone. The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate autumn, engage the community, and connect people with the harbour. Feedback was positive, with families appreciating the creativity, fun, and relaxed atmosphere, and volunteers noting the joy of seeing children so happy and engaged.
One participant shared: “It was really well organised with brilliant things for the kids to do. They absolutely loved it and so did I. Thank you so very much and well done.” Taking part in the Festival allowed us to showcase the value of community-led events, give families a chance to spend meaningful time together, and highlight the positive impact such events have on local wellbeing.
Outcomes and Community Feedback
Participants and families gave positive feedback. Children enjoyed picking pumpkins, crafting, face painting, and marshmallow toasting, while volunteers noted the joy of seeing so many happy and engaged faces. Families appreciated the creativity, fun, and relaxed atmosphere, with one participant commenting: “It was really well organised with brilliant things for the kids to do. They absolutely loved it and so did I. Thank you so very much and well done.” Overall, the event strengthened community connections and provided a meaningful, seasonal experience for families.
Challenges
The biggest challenge we faced was attracting enough volunteers to help deliver the event. Although we had support from some Trustees, members, and our regular volunteers, it required careful planning and coordination to ensure all activities were staffed and the day ran smoothly.