20 Nebraskaland • October 2024
ool October breezes stir along a path at Indian Cave
State Park, lined with pumpkins painted pink. Dozens
of people wearing gray and pink T-shirts stride along
the path, stopping to look. Each pumpkin is decorated
with glitter, a big ribbon and the name of someone who has
had cancer. Recognizing a name, families gather around the
pumpkins, smiling and posing for pictures.
This annual event, called the Pink Pumpkin Walk, began
in memory of Sharon Holliday of Lincoln. Her son, Kevin
Holliday, was the park superintendent at Indian Cave at the
time. Sharon died of breast cancer in October 2015.
"My idea to start the event in 2016 evolved from the
previous year, when Sharon was fighting terminal cancer,"
Park Superintendent Jan Alexander said. "October is Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, so it seemed fitting to hold this
yearly event in memory of Sharon in October."
In the Pink Pumpkin Walk's first year, they saw 81
registered walkers. Last year, there were 197 — and the size
of the event still surprises onlookers.
"I've been asked, 'What event are you most proud of that
you've started?' and it's the Pink Pumpkin Walk," Alexander
said. "I just feel honored to continue this event, and I hope
that somebody else continues it when I'm not here."
What the Walk Looks Like
The Pink Pumpkin Walk falls on the third Saturday in
C
Annual event at Indian Cave going strong
Walking to Remember
Memorial balloons pictured before the Pink Pumpkin Walk begins.
Story and photos by Renae Blum
