Hilltop Garden holds 1st annual Great Pumpkin Party on Saturday

The Hilltop Garden and Nature Center was abuzz Saturday afternoon as dozens of children and adults made seasonal collages, decorated cookies, painted masks and watched as apples were squeezed into cider.

The first Great Pumpkin Party, an event organizers hope to hold annually, included a pumpkin pie contest along with a live band and community dinner provided by FARMBloomington, located on Kirkwood Avenue.

“We seem to do a lot for the kids,” said Nancy Martin, Hilltop Educational Foundation board member. “All proceeds from the party are being put towards a summer camp for children gardeners.”

Community members bought tickets at the entrance and used them for activities, said Greg Speichert, director of Hilltop Garden and Nature Center.

“Though this is our first annual pumpkin party, we hope to expand in future years once we have established ourselves further,” Speichert said. “For now we are trying to create a friendly family atmosphere where people can enjoy themselves but still learn something about the natural process of harvesting food.”

Booths ran the length of the front of the building outside the center where about 15 volunteers were selling tickets or helping children with the seasonal activities.

Lily bulbs that grew in the Hilltop Garden Center’s food garden were sold at the event.
Behind the greenhouse and main building is a large food garden. It is sectioned off according to the regional production of food.

Although the center only started up a year ago, volunteers and board members have already contributed more than 45 varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, sugar cane and other foods, Speichert said.

Along with events such as the annual pumpkin party, the center is also home to a 10-week summer program where children are taught to become life-long gardeners.
“We are trying to connect children back with the food that comes to them,” Speichert said.