Popping out for a pumpkin palooza

SANDUSKY — Pumpkins popped up throughout the city on Monday. Within about three hours' time, nearly 500 pumpkins and treats were given out to community children during OHgo's Project Pumpkin-Give. OHgo vehicles and volunteers made five stops at various locations in Sandusky. They spent about 30 minutes at each spot, which gave children the opportunity to pick out a pumpkin, decorate it and participate in other seasonal-related activities — all at no cost. Volunteers also baked scrumptious cupcakes and provided festive face painting for the kids. "One of the most enjoyable projects we do each year is offering pumpkins and treats to local children," OHgo co-founder Christine Boesch said. "It's a joyful, simple gift that brings families a fun fall memory as they decorate the pumpkins together." Community businesses and organizations helped support the event. • Polter's Berry Farm and Vans Produce and Pumpkins donated the pumpkins. • Hawaii Ice handed out free snow cones at the first stop. • Girl Scout Troop 50272 provided dozens of Halloween costumes that were distributed to children.