Harbord Village’s cherished pumpkin festival is back in full swing. On November 1, dozens of pumpkins lit up the neighbourhood along Harbord Street from Spadina Avenue to Borden Street. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., people paraded the street with hot apple cider, baked goods from Harbord Bakery, and the last of their Halloween spirit. Pumpkins carved at homes in the neighbourhood are brought to Harbord for a “re-showing.” 

A lot of effort goes into this green community event every year. Sponsored by the Harbord Business Improvement Area and the Harbord Village Residents’ Association, event staff hire athletes from the University of Toronto to prepare and clean up after the festival. “We call them the Pumpkin Heads,” says Neil Wright, chair of the Harbord Street Business Improvement Area. Local businesses provide free food and drink for the public along with their own admirable creations. At the end of the night, the City of Toronto collects and recycles the artwork. 

Over the past two years, the pumpkin festival was celebrated locally and shared virtually. This year, Harbord Village opened the event up again to anyone and everyone willing to share their jack-o-lanterns at the parade. The more, the merrier at this family-oriented event.

—Hailey Alexander/Gleaner News