Mill Creek MetroParks board member John Ragan will not seek another term when his term expires Dec. 31, Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr., the park board’s appointing authority, announced today.

Ragan first was appointed to the five-member park board in December 2009.

The judge said he will again use a citizens’ selection committee to fill the board vacancy. The committee is comprised of 10 area residents who represent a wide swath of interests related to the park.

Interested candidates for the park board seat must file a written application at Mahoning County Probate Court by 4:40 p.m. Nov. 15. Applications can be obtained at the court or at probate.mahoningcountyoh.gov.

The judge plans to have the new board member in place in time for the January park board meeting.

 

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“Kunkins” are what 3-year-old Owen Dobbins of Lordstown dubbed the stars of the Pumpkin Walk at Twilight 2017 on Sunday at Mill Creek MetroParks’ Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Owen particularly liked the pumpkins carved in the likenesses of Anna and Elsa, characters in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” said his mother, Ashley Dobbins. She and her friend Cody Griffin of Austintown praised the event for being family-oriented – “something to do for kids and families.”

They were among thousands who, despite the threat of inclement weather, found their way to the 12th annual Pumpkin Walk at Twilight and strolled around the grounds admiring the scary and skillfully carved Halloween pumpkins on display.

Andrew Pratt, Fellows Riverside Gardens director, said about 10,000 attended the event in 2016 and estimated this year’s Pumpkin Walk featured about 1,500 pumpkins.

For those who missed Sunday’s Pumpkin Walk, the pumpkins will be on display for a few more days, depending on the weather, said Lynn Zocolo, a park educator.

In addition to the pumpkins, the gardens hosted several activities including a pumpkin-carving demonstration and entertainment by local singer/song writer JD Eicher, who sang and played the acoustical guitar and harmonica in the musical mode of James Taylor and John Mayer.

Mike and Mari Kocjancic of Boardman and their children – Lily and Maddy, both 6, Sophie, 5, and Deacon, 3 – were first-time visitors to the Pumpkin Walk. “The kids love pumpkins and Halloween,” Mari said.

Danielle Mellott and Shane Miller, both of New Castle, Pa., learned of the Pumpkin Walk during a visit to Lanterman’s Mill in the park earlier in the day and decided to stay for the event, which ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“I like scary things,” Mellott said.

“Inspiring” is how Julie Shaw of Edinburg, Pa., described the carved pumpkins. “They give me lots of ideas,” said Shaw, who came to the event with her children – Ryder, 8, Barrett, 4, and Carter, 2 – and the children’s grandparents, Jeff and Pam Shaw of Harlansburg, Pa.

Beth and Jesse Troy of Cornersburg said they enjoyed Pumpkin Walk 2016 immensely and made sure to come back for this year’s event. They love to take pictures of the pumpkins and show them via Skype to their grandchildren in California.

“I love the ambience when the torches are lighted. The walk is beautiful,” said Beth.

Campbell Municipal Court Judge Patrick Cunning attended the event with several family members, including his granddaughters – Diana Cunning, who turned 1 Saturday, and Caroline Rankin, 6 months.

“It’s an outstanding family event. It’s magical,” the judge said.

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“I love to carve pumpkins!” exclaimed Penelope Roush, 5.

Her enthusiasm was matched by her brother, Parker, 8, as the two took part in pumpkin carving at Fellows Riverside Gardens this week ahead of Sunday’s Pumpkin Walk at Twilight.

Sitting next to Penelope, Parker eagerly carved a Batman-themed design into a massive pumpkin.

“You might want to put in the newspaper how fast I am,” he said proudly.

The two were there with their great-grandmother, Sue Newman of Liberty. The three will be back Sunday with their whole family. As dusk sets in, they’ll be on the look out for their creations lining the gardens’ paths.

“It’s a wonderful event,” Newman said. “It’s beautiful. When they’re all lit up, it’s breathtaking.”

Parker and Penelope’s pumpkin masterpieces will be among 1,000 to 2,000 that will be on display Sunday. Pumpkin carving continues today and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the gardens service building. People are invited to come out and carve, with pumpkins provided by the MetroParks.

“It’s 15,000 pounds of pumpkins we got this year,” said gardens Director Andrew Pratt.

On Sunday, all of them will be set up along the gardens’ winding paths. Over the years, the pumpkin walk has become a popular event. Even with rain in the forecast, Pratt said he expects a turnout of about 10,000 people.

“It think it’s becoming a family attraction. It really brings people out,” he said.

Adding to the fun will be local musician JD Eicher and family-friendly activities. Cider and apples also will be available.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 8. Pratt suggested that visitors show up early, as the gardens’ parking lot fills up quickly. Additional parking will be available at a nearby church off Mahoning Avenue and on the streets adjacent to the gardens.

Among those who plan to turn out Sunday are Gina DiGiovanni of Warren and Leanne Lee of Girard, who were carving pumpkins Thursday.

This year marked DiGiovanni’s first time participating in the carving. She plans to bring her two kids Sunday.

“Halloween is my favorite season, and I just wanted to help out,” she said, estimating that she’d already carved 10 pumpkins. “I love Mill Creek MetroParks.”

Lee, who skillfully carved an abstract design into her pumpkin, has been to the pumpkin walk several times before.

“I love to come take pictures of all the people walking through and the lights,” she said.

“It’s just a really nice atmosphere.”

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