Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the 16th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge at Trinity Church.

Trinity Youth Commission supports the fun, exciting, and important event that raises funds to support the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Named after the outlaw gang from Newman’s film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a residential summer camp that provides free-of-charge camping and outreach programs for children with serious illnesses.

Community members of all ages are invited to participate by bringing their carved pumpkins in front of Trinity Church, starting Sunday, October 25, through Halloween, October 31. Each year, the display transforms the church lawn into a magical Halloween spectacle.

A donation of $5 per pumpkin is requested, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Families are encouraged to also take pictures at the pumpkin display and make a $5 donation as well.

The Great Pumpkin Challenge began in 2011 when Youth member Mackenzie Page was inspired to support her friend, Zoe McMorran, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Page hosted The Great Pumpkin Challenge in the front yard of her family’s Main Street home for a few years, and then Trinity took over the program in 2016 when she began her college career.

All are invited to join in the fun, share their creativity, and help keep the wonderful holiday tradition shining bright. Donations can also be mailed to Trinity Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, or made online at trinitynewtownct.org.