The Norwich Firefighters Association and Police Benevolent Association will be holding a free pumpkin carving event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 28 in the front bays of the Norwich Fire Department, located at 31 East Main Street in Norwich. This year's pumpkins have been generously donated by Harmon Farms Market in Sherburne. (Photo from Harmon Farms Market Facebook page)

NORWICH — The Norwich Firefighters Assocation will be hosting a free pumpkin carving event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 28 in the front bays of the Norwich Fire Department (NFD), located at 31 East Main Street in Norwich.

The event is a collaboration between the Norwich Fire Department, the Norwich Firefighters Association, and the Police Benevolent Association (PBA). Members of each organization will be present for the event.

NFD Firefighter and Local 1404 Union President Daniel Kerila said tables, chairs, and carving kits will be set up in the bays, and residents are welcome to bring their kids down to pick out a pumpkin and carve.

Free pumpkin carving has been held at the NFD for many years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the station had to put a hold on the festivities for two years.

But, the popular event is now back in action, due in part to the generosity of Harmon Farms Market in Sherburne.

"In previous years we’ve gotten pumpkins at a discounted rate from other businesses, like Walmart or others that have a mass quantity. And so this year actually, this group out of Sherburne, Harmon Farms, donated two pallets of pumpkins for free," said Kerila.

"I think one of our members was talking to someone and then heard that, hey, we're looking to give away some pumpkins. And they said, well we’ve always done this carving event and we’re looking to probably do it again. And they're like, oh, well have some pumpkins."

The pumpkin carving event is open to the public and completely free to attend. Kerila said the firehouse has seen a great turnout in the past, and they're excited to bring the event back after two years without it.

"Between trick or treating and trick or treat in the park, it’s always been a thing that’s been quite attended," he said. "With COVID, we haven’t been able to do any events like this, so it’s been good that we can do it again."