Averrie Flood arrived at the Lone Tree Arts Center pumpkin patch Oct. 11 knowing exactly what he wanted.
It did not take long for the 7-year-old to spot the biggest, orange-iest gourd in the patch. With the help of his mother, Flood collected three pumpkins for his family — the biggest one reserved for him.
“I want to make a big face,” Flood said. The young pumpkin artist specified he wanted to carve a “scary” jack-o-lantern face but depart from the typical, pointed-teeth look. Overall, Flood classified the day as “good.”
Dozens of families visited the makeshift pumpkin patch at the Lone Tree Arts Center Terrace Oct. 10 and 11. Traditionally held at Schweiger Ranch, the Austrian-themed ranch east of I-25, the pumpkin patch moved to the arts center to comply with social distancing guidelines.
The city’s annual Oktoberfest took place at the Lone Tree Arts Center as well. Adults clinked German beers while kids played games and ate schnitzel, all while enjoying live music from oompah bands.
The next morning, kids scoured the pumpkin patch at the arts center terrace. For $20, patrons picked up to three pumpkins from the multi-leveled, grass amphitheater. Parents enjoyed free coffee and kids guzzled hot chocolate in 30-minute sessions. Event organizers limited capacity and required face coverings at both events, in accordance with the Douglas County variance on social gatherings.