East Lansing

East Lansing’s Great Pumpkin Walk brings out treats and smiles

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Natalie Kerwin

A few munchkins from the Wizard of Oz handed out candy.

Natalie Kerwin

Dorothy and the Wizard were waiting at the end of the walk-through.

The annual Great Pumpkin Walk took place Tuesday in East Lansing. Families with costumed children from babies to teens went door to door to collect candy from local businesses.

More than 50 merchants participated in the free two-hour event.

“I love Halloween, so it’s fun to see all of the kids really excited for it, too,” said Collegeville Textbook Company employee Sarah Williams. “This is my third time working it. People have group costumes, which is really cute, too. Everyone is having fun, so every year it’s always a good night.”

Natalie Kerwin

Jameson (far right) fist bumps with Andrew Pingry (left) and Connor Konas.

As part of the Great Pumpkin Walk, some businesses tried to go beyond the typical trick-or-treating. The Wild Goose Inn held its annual “Land of Oz” and decorated the entire outside of the building with a Wizard of Oz theme.

“I just love seeing all the kids dressed up and having fun. Making them laugh and making them smile is really fun for us,” said Michigan State student Andrew Pingry.

Pingry is on the Michigan State Men’s lacrosse team. Connor Konas, another MSU lacrosse team member, volunteered with Pingry at the event.

Natalie Kerwin

Families had the chance to visit the Gale Farm and feed the animals.

“This is our first year, but it’s the ninth anniversary of the “Land of Oz”,” said Konas. “We do the Oz theme every year. It’s a recognized movie by a lot of people which is why it’s a good fit, and we have a nice brick path out in the back that looks like the yellow-brick road. It’s perfect.”

This event leads up to the real night of trick-or-treating in the downtown residential neighborhoods, which will take place 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

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