Single Mom at Brite Nites: A Halloween Event

About six years ago, I brought my much younger sons to this fun memory maker at Wagner Farm Arboretum. Over thirty-six years ago, I visited this location on my nursery school field trip to see where milk comes from and fawn over newborn calves. The cows and the milk are long gone, but the property is still familiar to me and a source of fun, particularly in the approach to Halloween!

It’s been a difficult week for me as a single mom. (When 2019 is posted, you’ll see why.) But it’s part of my job to keep myself mentally healthy and to keep your spirits up too, single parents. When I finally wrapped my brain around my calendar this week, I was happy to see Brite Nites penciled in for Friday night. Make that inked in because I was going as a volunteer this year, with a friend in tow!

I think it must have been the coldest, fall night so far, of course. Out of practice with bundling, I only grabbed my third warmest jacket on my way out the door. The hat I chose as a fashion statement ended up saving me as I worked for hours…as a Pumpkin Path Guide!

The event was magical. “Oohs and aahs” filled the air as guests entered the path and caught their initial glimpses of the first of over one thousand hand carved pumpkins, glowing in the darkness from their hay bale perches. I reveled in the Halloween spirit from my position under a canopy of twinkling orange lights and crystals. Gently reminding toddlers and the occasional dad to refrain from touching the pumpkins was my primary duty. Ahh, if only I could be a year round professional Pumpkin Path Guide..

People of all ages entered the spacious path in a steady stream, including bundled babies velcroed to their parents, kiddos from toddler to teen, picture snapping grandparents, boisterous friend groups, and couples who creatively wove a stop at Brite Nites into date night!

At the end of the night, I enjoyed the path one final, sparkling time, collecting my half frozen friend along the way. If you’re reading this in October, there’s still time for you to travel the path at Brite Nites...