Having fun at Frog Pond: 2019 Pumpkin Float

My volunteer experience with the 2019 Pumpkin Float on Friday, Oct 18, 2019.

I want to slosh around in the water at Frog pond! Please pick me!

Here is a brief description of the volunteer experience listing provided by Boston Cares and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

“The Fall Pumpkin Float is coming to the Boston Common Frog Pond on Friday, October 18th! Volunteers are needed to ensure that set-up, event support, and clean-up run smoothly during this fun fall event. Tasks will include setting up tables along the Frog Pond, assembling pumpkin drop-off stations, placing pumpkins into the Frog Pond, and more! This event brings exciting attractions, such as a haunted maze, vendors & giveaways, and glow in the dark lawn games, to help celebrate the pumpkin float display on Frog Pond. We need your support to help this event run smoothly. We ask that all volunteers dress comfortably for the weather (bring layers) and if you wish to help with attractions in the pond, please bring rain boots that could withstand twelve inches of water.”

Image from: https://bostonfrogpond.com/about/

For more history on the Boston Frog Pond and its many uses please visit: https://bostonfrogpond.com/about/

I signed up for this volunteer experience because how many times do you “legally” get to splash around in Frog Pond. I even went out and bought some cheap rain boots for the event because I wanted to set the pumpkins afloat and I wanted to watch the ride from a first-class seat.

Volunteers gathering to learn our assignments

Everyone seems afraid of the water

Once all the volunteers gathered, we had the option to help at the bounce house, maze, carousel, or at the pumpkin float venue. When the team leader asked for volunteers to help in the water, I was the only one interested. It shocked me. I thought everyone would ask for this assignment since this is where all the action would be, but I was so wrong. Everyone seemed afraid of getting a little wet, so I got the post, and eventually, a few other people also volunteered.

Meet my antagonist

Right before the Pumpkin “Fest” was about to start, I went over to the closest barrel to throw away some trash. As soon as I dropped the trash inside, I heard a strange noise emanate from the bowels of the bin. All of a sudden, a squirrel jumped up from inside the can and landed on the outside edge of the lid. Being somewhat startled, I jumped back. The squirrel then leaped down onto the curb. The small, dirty looking beast then started to come closer and closer to me. It looked really pissed. I am not sure if this was a friendly creature just thinking I had more food to give it, or it hated me for disturbing its dinner of leftover human dregs.

After this, we kinda started this strange dance of sorts, I moved a little; it moved a little. I moved back; it moved closer and closer. I hike in NH mountain wildness all the time, and this furry little woodland creature was scaring me more than any menacing bear would. I finally backed up slowly, stopped looking at it and heard it go back to its treasured meal in the barrel. What a close call! I will always be more careful when I approach any trash receptacle. This is a cautionary tale to all-beware! Maybe it was a zombie squirrel from the maze! Lol 🙂

My rival for the waste receptacle – the little bugger jumped out of the bin as soon as I went to throw some trash away

Look at my opposition! Clenched up fists and staring me down! The killer “Rabbit of Caerbannog” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail looks like a harmless little bunny compared to this guy! I had to watch my neck! lol

Best job ever!

Well, say after my run-in with the pesky Pete, the rest of the night was downright fun. I got my wish and set many a pumpkin afloat. It was great to see so many families enjoying the event, and I had the privilege of being able to take pictures of the pumpkins… from the pumpkins perspective, in the water. Yes, I got a little wet, but so what. I did not melt.

Had I only been a spectator, I would have missed so much because I would have only been there for a few minutes. Being there for hours, and from my vantage point, I got to see so many children dressed up in their most beautiful Halloween fashions. I saw proud parents having their kids pose with their carved masterpieces. I observed the laughter, joy, and happiness of everyone who attended. I do not think I ever heard one child cry. It was a delightful night, and not one I will soon forget.