Residents and visitors to Morewood got a taste of seasonal magic by passing through Veterans View Park, which for Halloween, was decorated by members of the MRA. Included in the decorations were entries to the Best Jack-O-Lantern Contest sponsored by the MRA. Thompson Goddard photo

MOREWOOD -Over 30 pumpkins entered the Best Jack-O-Lantern Contest sponsored by the Morewood Recreation Association (MRA) which created a festive spirit at Veterans View Park in the small North Dundas Community.

MRA vice president Katie Lesage mentioned that the organization has been busy creating displays at Veterans View Park, and decided that for Halloween, a jack-o-lantern carving contest would be a fun community event; as the children’s Halloween party was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. She continued how the pumpkins at the park would be lit using artificial tea lights to add a spooky atmosphere on the evening of Halloween. Closer examination of one of the entries showed it was able to be lit using a solar powered battery.

North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and Deputy Mayor Al Armstrong, were on hand to judge the entries on Halloween morning. Prior to the judging, Fraser expressed his appreciation for the organization putting together an event such as this during the pandemic period. He commented that events such as this demonstrate the “efforts of the volunteers and supporters of the Morewood Recreation Association” and highlights the commitment of the MRA to the community.

Armstrong mentioned that this type of event demonstrates the commitment of the MRA to the community. He explained just a few years ago that the RA Centre was not in very good shape but thanks to the collaborative work between the municipality and the MRA, it is now a community hub which has rekindled the spirit of Morewood.

Lesage was impressed with the participation in the event and mentioned prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place were donated by a local business. Winners were announced late on Oct. 31 via the organization’s social media site, with Denver Richards winning the Overall Best Traditional Pumpkin, Tawny Bryski-Wilson having the best Specialty Pumpkin and Everly Wilson receiving the Mayor’s Choice award.