Launch of Portland Curbside Composting

Save the date for Portland Farmers Market’s Great Pumpkin Event, sponsored by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s “Include the Food” campaign to launch citywide food scrap composting. The event will feature a free pumpkin carving contest and children’s costume parade. Kids get the chance to carve their own pumpkins and practice the art of composting by scooping the seeds straight into a Portland Composts! kitchen pail. Enjoy games, prizes, giveaways and an appearance by “Blaze,” the mascot of the Portland Trail Blazers. Free pumpkins and carving tools provided.WHEN:Saturday, October 29, 2011Activities will happen rain or shine.Pumpkin carving: 9 a.m.- noon (or as long as pumpkins last)Costume parade for children: noon -12:30 p.m. Bring your ghosts and goblins to the information booth at noon to join the parade through the Market.Prizes will be awarded: 12:30 p.m. for best carvings. Pumpkins must be carved on-site in order to be eligible.Portland Farmers Market hours: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.WHERE:Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University: near the music stage in the center of the Market’s north block. The Saturday Portland Farmers Market is located at Portland State University in the South Park Blocks between SW Hall & SW Montgomery.WHO:All Portland-area children and adults are invited to carve a pumpkin. The costume parade is open to children. This event is sponsored by Portland Farmers Market and the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s “Include the Food” campaign to launch citywide food scrap composting.Information about curbside food composting and changes to the City’s curbside collection service will be available at the Include the Food information table during the event. For more details on food composting, please visit www.portlandcomposts.com.