Boys and girls 12 and under will be given a pumpkin at Pumpkin in the Park on Sunday, Oct. 22, and have a special station at Lakeview Park for painting a holiday face on it. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

The Port Clinton Candy Company will be hosting a pumpkin giveaway at Pumpkins in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Lakeview Park in conjunction with their park concessions location, The Snack Shack.

“We will be providing a pumpkin for children 12 and under. We will have a painting station so children can paint their pumpkin right at the park” said Lisa Kuzma, owner of Port Clinton Candy Company.

The Snack Shack will be open, selling fall snacks and sweet treats. There will be plenty of photo opportunities for the family at the free event, including Halloween blow ups and plenty of straw bales.

A live pumpkin carving by local artist Matt Renallo will be a feature attraction.

Two raffle basket drawings will be held, one for children and one for all ages. Children dressed in costumes will automatically receive an entry for the children’s drawing. Tickets for both baskets can be purchased for $1 each. Proceeds will be donated to a Port Clinton youngster, who is in need of a diabetic alert service dog.

“Addilyn is in need of this highly trained dog to ensure she gets medical attention in a diabetic emergency as quickly as possible. These special dogs can sense an emergency before a human can,” said Joe Kuzma. “This type of dog and its training are very expensive.”

Port Clinton Candy Company and other local businesses we have been raising funds to help the family. We are so excited to put on this event and give back to the community.”

Sharing her excitement for Halloween and making sure the kids of Port Clinton have a pumpkin to paint or carve is the perfect Trick-or-Treat treat for me,” said Lisa Kuzma.

Port Clinton Candy Company is accepting donation items to be included in the raffle baskets. The number of pumpkins secured are limited, and monetary donations to purchase both additional pumpkins and paint are also being accepted. Volunteers are needed to assist with the painting area. If interested in helping, contact the Kuzmas at portclintoncandyco@gmail.com.