<b>Oh, my gourd! Celebrate all things pumpkin on Monday</b>

What could possibly say "fall" more than pumpkins? On Monday, Oct. 23, head out to the Park at Austin Landing for the first annual Pumpkins in the Park with Kettering Physicians Network event. From 3-7 p.m., you and your family can enjoy a FREE event that will celebrate everything pumpkin.

Internationally prominent carvers will be on hand to create amazing pieces of art from giant, 500-pound pumpkins live, while you watch. There also will be a display of more than 50 individually carved pumpkins, and you and your family can try your own hands at pumpkin art by visiting the carving station.

If you're feeling exceptionally crafty, you can sign up for the pumpkin carving class being conducted by master carver Chad Hartson, who recently was a finalist on Holiday Cake Wars as part of Team Winter Wonders. Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided to participants, and the class starts at 5 p.m. Although the class is currently full, you can check the sign-up page here to see if any openings come up.

Additional family fun includes free face painting, glitter tattoos, bounce houses, photo booth and giant games. Kettering Sports Medicine will host a tug-of-war for those who want more active fun, and Kettering Physicians Network will be on-site to provide health information, blood pressure checks, giveaways and more. Other artists will be decorating sidewalks and parking areas with a Chalk Art in the Park display, and Ranger Vic will pop in for a visit with the kids.

Host Austin Landing is giving away 300 pumpkins, on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure you show up early for yours. Bring the whole family out for an evening of fall-themed fun at Austin Landing!

WANT TO GO?

    WHAT: Pumpkins in the Park with Kettering Physicians Network

    WHEN: Monday, Oct. 23, from 3-7 p.m. (rain date: Wednesday, Oct. 25)

    WHERE: The Park at Austin Landing (10400 Innovation Dr., Miamisburg)

    HOW MUCH: FREE