By Greg Ellison

(Oct. 15, 2020) To help children pre-game for Halloween the Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is sponsoring “Pumpkin Saturday” this weekend with additional festivities planned for the end of the month.

Market Manager David Bean said the first 50 youths to stop by the Kids Market Zone could take home a free petite pumpkin

“This Saturday is our Pumpkin Saturday at the market,” he said. “It’s our celebration targeted at the kids where they can come out to the market and while supplies last they can pick out their own jack be little … pumpkin.”

Bean said the offering provides a nice occasion for younger eyes to survey the array of fresh produce, flowers, drinks and eats.

“It’s a lot of fun to come … take home a free pumpkin and at the same time have the experience of being at the market and picking out fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said.

Bean said the kid’s activity was added last year to provide a creative outlet leading up to Halloween.

“Last year … they were able to decorate the pumpkins while they were at the market but because of the covid situation we’re not doing that aspect of it this year,” he said. “That will return when we get back to normal.”

Later this month, especially with Halloween taking place on a Saturday, further fun is slated at the market.

“The last Saturday of the month is our Halloween at the marketplace,” he said.

Bean said regardless of what day of the week the holiday occurs on vendors earmark the closest Saturday to get in the spirit.

“Many of them dress up in their costumes, decorate the stands and have a little trick or treat fun with their customers,” he said.

This year the timing allows the Farmers & Artisans Market the opportunity to start the holiday celebrations on Oct 31.

“It sort of kicks off the day in Ocean Pines for all the other activities that are going on,” he said.

Bean said the “Spook the Pines” community parade sponsored by the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, which will include numerous classic cars and Jeeps decked out for the holiday, runs from noon to 2 p.m. and ends at White Horse Park.

Prior to the arrival of decorated vehicles, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks are holding a “Build Your Own Scarecrow” contest on Halloween morning from 10 a.m. to noon.

“We always refer to it as the adult version of Halloween in Ocean Pines,” he said. “It’s a real festive day.”