During times of Covid-19, it can be hard as a community to get involved and remain together. Many people tend to stay inside the safety of their own homes. As the holidays grow closer, Ashland University and the community are looking for a fun and safe way to celebrate.

With Halloween just around the corner, the Ashland County Historical Society hosted their second annual Pumpkin Glow Event as a fun, safe way to kick off fall. All Covid-19 protocols were followed, and masks were always required.  

According to the press release from the Director of Operations of the Ashland County Historical Society, Jennifer Marquette, the event took place on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the former Children’s Home (Freer Home) located at 1260 Center Street next to the Dale-Roy School.

Anyone was welcome to attend the event, where over 100 decorated jack-o-lanterns were on display. Members of the community were able to drive through the grounds area to view the display of pumpkins and booths from local businesses.

The event cost five dollars per car and included trick or treat bags for each participant in the vehicle. Food trucks from Dine and Dash mobile, Moto Pizza, and Brew’d were also there for food purchases.

In addition to the carved pumpkins and decorated booths, the event included giveaways, a special appearance from Mayor Matt Miller, portrayer Ken Hammontree and others who depicted fun children’s characters for families.

From Ashland University, the Cheer and Dance team performed to support the Ashland community. Assistant coach of the Dance and STUNT team, Brandy Marquette says that she “enjoyed meeting and interacting with the community members.”

Since Covid-19 is a prominent factor in gatherings, it has been exceptionally difficult to put together events where everyone is safe. 

“During these difficult times, it was fun to put a smile on other people’s faces. Serving and leading our community is an important part of our program’s core values,” Marquette said.

The Pumpkin Glow Event offers an opportunity to bring the community together while involving the locals and the University.

Not only did the Cheer team perform, but they also participated in the four-hour event by carving pumpkins and interacting with community members.

 “Our teams performed a Halloween themed dance and stunt routine as cars drove through the Pumpkin Glow event,” Marquette said. “In between routines we handed out candy to the cars. We also carved 20 pumpkins and had them on display.”

After a successful event, the Ashland County Historical Society looks forward to keeping up the tradition of the annual Pumpkin Glow. Events like this one keep the people of Ashland together, even in difficult times like this.

From a coach’s standpoint, it is important to not only compete and perform for the University, but to be involved in the community to bring people together. 

“As a coach and being from Ashland myself, it is always special to see our teams connect with the Ashland community,” Marquette said. “It allows Ashland to truly feel like their home away from home.”