18 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2017
By Lynn Mellick
The 19th Annual Hallowfest at Ponca State
Park is scheduled for Oct. 14 and 21. Saturday
activities begin with crafts in the morning. Then
at 1 p.m., test your bowling skills at the pumpkin
rolling obstacle course. Judges will award prizes
for best distance in three age groups. Extremely
large pumpkins will be featured in the "brutus
division." Only one strong competitor will win
this prize.
For those who would rather test their creativity,
compete in the pumpkin carving contest from
1 to 3:30 p.m. Only pumpkins carved at the
contest's designated location and within an
allotted time frame will qualify. Judging begins
at sunset. All ages are welcome, and prizes will
be awarded in three age groups.
Each Saturday night will conclude with
haunted hayrack rides. This popular attraction
requires reservation, which will open Oct. 9 at 8
a.m.; seats typically sell out within two hours.
Ponca State Park encourages guests to decorate their
campsites and cabins to celebrate Halloween.
For more information, contact Ponca State Park at
402-755-2284. For a list of Halloween events at parks
statewide, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/Halloween. ■
Hallowfest at
Ponca State Park
Test your bowling skills at Ponca State Park's pumpkin rolling obstacle course during
Hallowfest. Prizes will be awarded in each age division.
PHOTO
COURTESY
OF
PONCA
STATE
PARK
