Maywood Pumpkin Patch Parade fundraises for dance studio destroyed in fire

MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- The annual Maywood Pumpkin Patch Parade returns on Oct. 10.

The community celebration begins at 9 a.m. at 25 North 5th Avenue. The family-friendly event raises money for Maywood Fine Arts. The organization sees 974 students each week for dance, tumbling, music, visual arts, drama and karate classes. MFA serves another 3,500 children through our free outreach programs

In addition, this year's Maywood Pumpkin Patch Parade will kick off the "Raising the Barre" Capital Campaign. The campaign hopes to raise $1.8 million to rebuild a dance studio that was destroyed in a fire five years ago. So far, MFA has received a $1 million anonymous grant.

There will be performances all day by the Stairway of the Stars dancers, Mr. Ernie's Flip Flop & Fly Tumblers, and The Flying High Competition Team as well as family activities, a pumpkin bounce, a photo booth, and families can win awards such as "Best Dressed Family."

The day's main event, a walk for the arts, kicks off at 11 a.m. at 5th and Lake St in Maywood. Upon returning from the walk, winners of the Giant Raffle will be announced, and everyone will get a free hot dog lunch.

Lois Bauman, executive director of Maywood Fine Arts, joined ABC7 Eyewitness News live from the Pumpkin Patch Parade to talk more about the event and the programs it goes to help.

Pumpkin Patch Parade

Saturday, Oct. 10

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

25 North 5th Ave., Maywood, Ill. 60153

Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children

Can people still come out and join at the time of our interview? Yes

Please visit our website at maywoodfinearts.org or our Facebook page facebook.com/maywoodfinearts.