HUNDREDS of children and their parents descended on Knutsford’s town centre to take part in a extra special Halloween event this week.

Knutsford came alive on Thursday for the first Pumpkin Path, which saw youngsters setting off on a spooky adventure.

Eighteen businesses housed a special pumpkin with a letter carved into them, with the children taking part in the quest to find all the letters to spell out ‘KNUTSFORDHALLOWEEN’.

The three lucky winners of the Pumpkin Path competition are: Charlie Keeney, Jessica Dean-Deeley and Cliona Hoste. Prizes for the lucky trio include a pizza party for four at Gusto Knutsford, sweetie hamper from Mr Simms and a voucher from Hal Whitakers toy shop on Princess Street.

Stefanie Meachin, business development manager at Gusto on King Street, came up with the idea.

She approached Peter Murray from Pulse of Perfumery on Princess Street and after speaking to retailers and Promote Knutsford Forum came up with the plan that was put together with help from Julie Chard, from Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe.

“I just thought it was amazing, there was just a great atmosphere on the streets,” she said.

“We had 302 postcards posted through that evening and they were from a range of people. When I bumped into the police they said it was fantastic and got people – and trick or treaters – off the street and into the town centre.

“We’ll definitely be doing it next year but will be closing the roads and maybe have a parade as well.”

Stefanie added she had been told there were around 1,000 people in the town during the evening.

“Not everyone was taking part but they wanted to experience it,” she said. “Loads of retailers opened up and it just showed a great sense of community.

“I took the idea to the retailers meeting and the Pumpkin Path idea came up. Promote Knutsford Forum then helped to produce leaflets and stage the event.

“Schools were really helpful and put cards in the children’s reading bags. Knutsford as a community really came together.”

 


 

SOCIAL Network sites were buzzing with comments from those taking part in the Pumpkin Path on Thursday.

On Twitter, Clr Barbara Coan, Knutsford town mayor, said: “Knutsford is so full of little people trick and treating candy bags full of sweets it's fantastic everyone looks fantastic, well done.”

While the town’s police force certainly appreciated the event. Sgt Robert Simpson, speaking @KnutsfordNPU, said: “It was really great to see Knutsford's community spirit in action this evening. Lots of families enjoying the festivities.”

Judith Fingleton (@judithfingleton) said: “Last night was amazing in Knutsford it rocked @PumpkinPath – the kids had a fab time-thanks @knutsfordgusto.”

Peter Murray (@POPperfumery) added: “Loving the Buzz around town, everyone is getting excited for tonights @PumpkinPath.”