Photo: Wildwood Lions Club
What started in 1987 as a way to raise funds for charity has turned into a celebration that families return to year after year. Hosted by the Kramer-Berg American Legion Post 507 and Wildwood Lions Club, Punkinmania is an annual fundraiser, featuring festive activities, games and a pumpkin patch. “It’s a great way to bring the community together,” says Kevin Murphy, president of the Wildwood Lions Club.
This year, Punkinmania will be held from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. October 10 at Veteran’s Memorial Park in the heart of Willernie. “We have the same people that come every year to get their pumpkins,” Murphy says.
The event relies on the generosity of these committed community members, including Jim and Melissa Schifsky, who have allowed the Lions Club to use a portion of their land to grow pumpkins and gourds for nearly a decade. The effort is well worth it, as the event has brought in an estimated $300,000 in its history.
