This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival Returns

Please note: Raindate for the event is Sunday, October 6th from 10-4pm

The Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival is an established Fall-favorite activity for Fairfield County families, offering something spooky and fun for children both big and small. Every October for almost fifty years, the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival has transformed the Tokeneke Elementary School, located on Old Farm Road in Darien, into a Halloween themed haunted house and amusement park where one can find delicious food, numerous games and activities and a wide variety of mechanical rides. 

The 2013 Pumpkin Carnival features rides and attractions suitable for a wide variety of ages. For those seeking a thrill, make sure to try Ali Baba, the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity. Pre-schoolers are sure to love the trains and spin rides. In addition, the haunted house is not to be missed! Plenty of games and activities will also be available, including Pumpkin Plinko, Ghoulie Goalie and the Apple Launch.

Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carnival participants will also be able to enjoy a wide array of tasty foods and beverages from local Darien restaurants, such as Burgers Shakes and Fries, Heights Pizza, and Upper Crust Bakery and Café. A Newman’s Own lemonade stand will also be introduced this year.

The Tokeneke Parent Teacher Organization (TPTO) is responsible for organizing the Pumpkin Carnival. Local businesses are the key supporters of the event and the Darien Sports Shop will be this year’s title sponsor.  Some of the other sponsors are: East Coast Irrigation; Newman’s Own; Better Lists, Inc.; The Darien News; Darien Rowayton Bank; Fairway; Deane; The Healthy Child; Heights Pizza; Dr. David Osherow,  D.D.S.; The Studio; and Vernal’s Service Station. 

Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The funds raised at the Pumpkin Carnival provide critical funding for the Enrichment Program at the Tokeneke Elementary School. Over the years, the Enrichment Program has helped bring inspirational and unexpected guests in the arts and sciences into the classroom for personal discussion and instruction with students.

“It’s the support of the Tokeneke and the Darien community that makes the Pumpkin Carnival such a success year after year,” said Kaitlyn Troy, a Tokeneke parent and Co-Chair of this year’s event along with fellow Tokeneke parent Julie Best. “We owe so much to the volunteers who so willingly give their time and energy. Please make sure to come and enjoy the rides and food and get a head start on the Halloween spirit!”

Tokeneke School is one of five elementary schools in Darien. Located on Old Farm Road, Tokeneke serves approximately 500 students from pre-school through fifth grade. The principal is Mary C. Michelson.


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?