Morning Pointe Senior Living is ushering in the fall season with a month-long festival aptly coined ‘Pumpkin Palooza’ to include events, games and food. As is typical in the fall months, there are many harvest-related festivals across the Southeast that invoke the changing of seasons. While families and children flock to these farmland festivals, it is often more difficult for senior adults to get out and enjoy them.
Morning Pointe flipped the concept and created a way to bring the pumpkin patch to its residents.
“The idea started last year when we were in the midst of the global pandemic. We decided to
bring all things fall to the residents – including pumpkins – and it was the best decision we ever
made,” said Morning Pointe of Chattanooga Senior Life Enrichment Director Holly Holcomb. “We
will be doing pumpkin-related activities each week leading up to our big pumpkin decorating
contest at the end of the month. ‘Pumpkin Palooza’ is one of our residents’ most favorite events we
do each year.”
At Morning Pointe of Hixson, the pumpkin celebrations are happening all month long, including
pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting and enjoying pumpkin-related food. The public is invited to
bring carved or painted pumpkins to display outside between Oct. 20 and Oct. 28, and
residents will select the first, second and third place winners.
“Many people think that pumpkin farms and pumpkin decorating contests are just for kids, but in
reality, our seniors love this just as much or more,” said Amy Clarke, vice president of strategy
and corporate life enrichment coach. “The nostalgia of these events, combined with the physical
activity and intergenerational aspects, create wonderful, lasting memories and keep residents
engaged and looking forward to what’s to come. I’m so glad this has turned into an annual event
here at Morning Pointe.”