Newport’s Pumpkin Palooza celebrates Halloween with treats and creative carvings

NEWPORT — Newport’s downtown district transformed into a Halloween celebration as residents gathered for the 2024 Pumpkin Palooza, featuring citywide trick-or-treating and a spirited pumpkin carving competition.

The event, hosted by the Newport Recreation Committee in partnership with Newport Downtown Development and sponsored by Community National Bank, drew participants to the Coventry Street parking lot for festive activities.

Mayor Linda Joy Sullivan joined the celebrations, distributing candy while wearing her official designation. The Newport City Fire Department, accompanied by their mascot Sparky the Dog, provided treats and fire hats to young visitors. Various characters, including Waldo outside the Warehouse and costumed volunteers at Goodrich Memorial Library, participated in treat distribution.

The highlight of the celebration was the pumpkin carving contest, which showcased local creativity across multiple categories. In the adult division, Becci Schuyler claimed first place with “Meow O’Lantern,” followed by Amy Gillespie’s “Dunkin Donotus” and Chris Vachon’s “Frank.”

Young carvers demonstrated impressive skills, with Ivy Thomas winning the five-and-under category for “Dino Bob.” Poppy Collins took top honors in the 6-12 division with “Shumpkin Shop,” while Alexis Degre’s “Pig Pen” led the teen category.

In the business competition, Tavern on the Hill secured first place with “Spooky Inn on the Hill,” followed by Goodrich Memorial Library’s “Mildred” and Hoagies Pizza and Pasta’s “Palpetta Pishetti.”

The celebration featured downtown businesses participating in trick-or-treating along Main Street, creating a community-wide Halloween experience.