Is there any better time for pictures in Utah than the fall? The amazing colors on the trees, the slight drop in temperature, plus, pumpkins. There’s no more iconic symbol of the season than the bright orange gourd, and Oct. 14 those in Clearfield and the surrounding area can set theirs afloat in the third annual Pumpkin Float at Steed Pond.

Shaundra Rushton, Communication Manager for Clearfield City explained how the head of the city’s Parks and Recreation department got the idea years ago from attending a conference in which a city back East hosted a similar event. The city discussed it, and, finding there were really no similar events in the region, decided to host one of their own, and since then, it’s just taken off in popularity.

“It’s been really popular,” said Rushton, citing the 4,000 respondents from the Facebook posting for the event. Although floating the pumpkins is certainly the highlight of the event, a crowd favorite is returning for the 2024 Pumpkin Float – the Pumpkin Cannon. Built by the parks crew, this compressed air cannon will be launching pumpkins as part of the event. “Our residents think it’s legendary,” said Rushton, and the results speak for themselves.

One big change this year is a BYOP policy – bring your own pumpkin. As the event has grown, it has become more difficult to provide pumpkins for each attendee and participant, so, residents that want to see their pumpkin float, need their own gourd. Lights, and floats, however, will still be provided by the city. Rushton also reminds participants that the float is a one-way ticket for the Jack o’ lanterns. Participants will not be able to recover their pumpkins following the event.

For “one night only, they’re going to shine bright,” said Rushton. Following the event, the parks crew will be there late into the night, recovering the pumpkins and the floats to ensure minimal ecological impact, and “give the pond back to the ducks.” All in all, a much better fate, and photo opportunity for a Jack o’ lantern than decaying on a porch in mid-October.

There is no registration necessary for the event, and Rushton encourages people from all over to “Just show up with their pumpkins. Come out, and give it a try!” People from all over, not just Clearfield are welcome, and even those who don’t have a pumpkin, or don’t want to set theirs adrift can come and witness the spectacle of these floating lights on the water. Yard games will be played, and hot chocolate will also be available while supplies last, but attendees should plan on eating either before or following the event, as there will be no food trucks.

The 2024 Clearfield Pumpkin Float will take place on Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Steed Pond. Lights and foam boards for floating the pumpkins will be provided, but those wishing to participate need to bring their own carved pumpkins this year. More information on the Pumpkin Float and other Clearfield events can be found at clearfield.city/events.