PunkinMania is as much an annual tradition in this neck of the woods as is carving pumpkins. And it all began in the 1980s, when Wildwood Lions Club member Dr. Lee Armstrong came up with the idea when the club was in need of a fall event. The annual event soon became a town celebration, and the American Legion of Mahtomedi joined the Lions to help make the event a success. The rest, as they say, is history.
This year will be no different. In addition to the standard pumpkins and painted pumpkins for sale, there will be lots of fun activities, including games, pumpkin crafts, a bouncy house, a petting zoo and an assortment of great food the whole family can enjoy.
Wildwood Lions Club President Dan Mielke says that even the brisk October days don’t keep the PunkinMania frolickers away. He estimates that anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 people come out to enjoy the event annually.
This year’s festivities will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Triangle Park. The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit the Wildwood Lions website.
