In the heart of Brooklet, a town of just over 2,100, the streets will soon be filled with the colorful spectacle of Brooklet Elementary School’s 29th Annual Pumpkin Parade. Set for Friday, October 25, at 10am, this beloved fall tradition brings the community together, spotlighting creativity and the joy of reading.
Located just steps from downtown, Brooklet Elementary has drawn locals for nearly three decades to watch students parade elaborately decorated pumpkins, transformed into characters from classic children’s books. From Charlotte’s Web to The Magic School Bus, each pumpkin tells a story, rolled down Parker Street in little red wagons by nearly 800 students and their teachers, all dressed in themed costumes that bring the books to life.
“This event shows our commitment to literacy in the most imaginative and fun way possible,” said Krista Branch, the school’s principal. “It’s a celebration of reading that brings together students, families, and the entire town.”
The Pumpkin Parade has become a staple of Brooklet’s event calendar, packing Parker Street with spectators just as it does for the annual Peanut Festival in September and the Christmas Tree Lighting in late November. Faculty narrate the parade from the town’s iconic white gazebo, while banners held by students display the book cover and author of each pumpkin’s character. Multiple generations of Brooklet families return each year to line the sidewalks, rekindling their own childhood memories and sparking a love of reading in new generations.
A favorite moment for many is seeing what book characters the school’s office staff will dress as when they lead the parade. With the event set to music and filled with vibrant costumes, it promises to be an experience the entire town won’t want to miss.
The parade will begin at the John Wesley Center, across from Denmark’s Furniture at 103 W. Lee Street, before winding down Parker Street and Lane Street to finish at Brooklet Community Church’s John Wesley Center. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to claim their spots along the route.
In a town known for coming together, the Brooklet Elementary Pumpkin Parade is another reminder of the power of community and the joy of a good book.
