Smashing pumpkins and shooting apples

Pumpkins will soar through the air outside the Hilltop Garden and Nature Center this Saturday as goblins and nature lovers alike gather for the Second Annual Great Pumpkin Party.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Although the party is geared toward families and younger children, there will be activities for all ages to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best for the costume contest. Pumpkin pies, bratwurst and hot dogs will be available to munch on throughout the festivities.

Hilltop, home to the original pumpkin launcher in town, will bring the event back this year, Hilltop Director Greg Speichert said.

Pumpkins projected from a trebuchet could fly as high as 100 feet before they drop and smash into the ground. Additional food ballistics include an apple shooting conducted by students from the Jackson Creek Middle School Science Olympiad Team, coached by Nancy Martin.

Hilltop grows its own pumpkins and gourds in its new pumpkin patch. Hilltop volunteer coordinator Charlotte Griffin said there are three or four barrels full of pumpkins available this year for people to launch, carve or otherwise enjoy.

“We have a great pumpkin carver, Ed McEndarfer, coming if you want to do that,” Speichert said.

Local bluegrass band The Lost Shoe String Band will perform, and the magician Jack the Top Hat will be up to his tricks.

The party will take place on the lawn at Hilltop where people can set up lawn chairs and view the gardens and a variety of seasonal plants they might not find in their own gardens, Griffin said.

Last year about 100 people attended the bash, Griffin said.

“Everyone had fun. We’re hoping to repeat that,” said Judith Granbois, president of Hilltop Education Foundation Inc.

Created by Dr. Barbara Shalucha, an IU biology professor and a nature-and-gardening aficionado, Hilltop has festivities throughout the year. It also provides outreach for children’s gardening and activities for adults such as gift-wrapping and bulb-planting.

Speichert said the Great Pumpkin Party is also good exposure for Hilltop itself, allowing people to see what the organization is all about.

Party guests often return to Hilltop as volunteers after the event, he said.

As Hilltop has been preparing for the party for the past three months, it hopes for good weather and a good turnout.

“We’re hoping some IU students will come too,” Griffin said.