By Erin Wadsworth

November 6, 2006 | NORTH LOGAN -- The city's traditional Pumpkin Walk proved to be a fun addition to the fall season in Cache Valley this year.

The Walk began on Oct. 19 and lasted through Oct. 24. Volunteers designed scenes fitting a musical tour theme, including "Pumpkin Idol" and "Singin' In the Rain."

Crowds lined up to take a stroll through Elkridge Park to view the all-pumpkin exhibits. You could see people enjoying themselves, singing and dancing when they would stop to look at scenes, said scene coordinator MarLyn McKinley.

"We saw people who wouldn't normally shake it, shake it, " said McKinley.

Large amounts of hard work and time go into creating each scene. Nancy Israelson, who has been dubbed the "Pumpkin Walk Queen" by her fellow Pumpkin Walk creators, crafted the enormous mural at the entrance.

Israelson, 82, takes an initial walk through the displays before the walk opens, and places enhancements where she sees they are needed.

"Nancy is such a talented artist and has created scenes and painted scenery for the Pumpkin Walk for over 20 years," said McKinley.

Some contributors to the Pumpkin Walk have been planning their scenes for a year prior to the event. Many involved are told they have a disease when it comes to their passion for the walk, said McKinley.

Each year creators are looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteer work usually includes scene creation, handyman help and, of course, pumpkin carving. One large donator is Pepperidge Farm, making donations of multitudes of cookies each year. Volunteers and donations are needed and greatly appreciated by the Pumpkin Walk staff, said McKinley.

"People really support this event," said McKinley. "Many people go through and thank us for putting this together and hope that we will always continue to do so."

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