BOTKINS — The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio (EFWO) is hosting a fun and spook-tacular event on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Botkins.
The EFWO Purple Pumpkin-Palooza and CaraBear Chase 5K will be held at the Botkins Community Park, 500 E. State St., Botkins.
This event is open to anyone who wishes to show their support for people in the community who live with Epilepsy, and is being held in memory of Carolina “Cara” Meyer, daughter of Josh and Jessica Meyer, of Botkins. Cara, 5, passed away from complications from her Epilepsy in March 2015.
All ages are welcome; however, anyone 6-years-old and older must register. Registration is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.
Check-in registration for the CaraBear Chase walk/run begins at 4 p.m. at the park. The race begins at 5 p.m., starting next to the park at Botkins High School and finishing at the park among the many Purple Pumpkin-Palooza festivities.
At the same time a corn hole tournament will begin. It is $30 per team to be involved.
Also at the event you can pick a pumpkin to paint purple and take home to display throughout November, National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Pumpkins are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; participants are welcome to bring their own pumpkins to decorate. EFWO will provide the paints, decorations, and treats.
A pumpkin carving contest will be held after the 5K. Enter the contest during registration or call by Sept. 30 to be registered. Contestants will bring their creepy-crawly creations to be displayed and voted on the day of the event.
At the event kids can enjoy crafts, a bounce house, blow-up slide, balooon artist, kid’s maze, and more. There will be food for all.
The festival will end with lighting lanterns and releasing them into the sky.
Registration is required to take part in the Purple Pumpkin-Palooza festivities, though participating in the 5K is not mandatory.
More information can be found at www.ohioepilepsy.kintera.org/purplepumpkin, and on the event’s Facebook page. You can also pick up a registration form at Meyer’s Tavern.
