Teal Pumpkins Make North Dakota's Halloween Fun For All

Williston is gearing up for its annual Trail of Treats on Halloween. A lot of time and effort has been put into to this this annual project. When Jennifer from the Williston Downtowners Association was in on Monday, she mentioned "teal pumpkin stops." I had never heard of this before. We all know that Halloween is a beloved holiday that brings with it the joys of dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats. However, for some children and families, Halloween can be a challenging time due to food allergies. That's where the Teal Pumpkin Project comes in.

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The Teal Pumpkin Project, initiated by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization, is a heartwarming movement aimed at making Halloween a more inclusive and safe experience for all children. The concept is simple but impactful: if you see a teal-painted pumpkin displayed on someone's porch, it means that they are offering non-food treats to trick-or-treaters. These non-food treats can range from stickers and glow sticks to small toys and trinkets.

This initiative has gained widespread popularity since its inception and for a good reason. Teal pumpkins send a powerful message of inclusivity, understanding, and support for kids with food allergies. They allow all children, regardless of their dietary restrictions, to participate in the Halloween festivities without feeling left out.

Additionally, the Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness about the importance of accommodating those with food allergies during Halloween. It encourages neighbors and communities to embrace the diversity of their young trick-or-treaters and ensures that everyone can have a memorable and safe Halloween night.

The teal pumpkin has become a symbol of compassion and inclusivity at Halloween, reminding us all to be mindful of the needs and challenges faced by children with food allergies. It's a small but powerful gesture that can make a world of difference in the lives of those who, for one night, just want to enjoy the magic of Halloween like everyone else.

LOOK: How Halloween has changed in the past 100 years

Stacker compiled a list of ways that Halloween has changed over the last 100 years, from how we celebrate it on the day to the costumes we wear trick-or-treating. We’ve included events, inventions, and trends that changed the ways that Halloween was celebrated over time. Many of these traditions were phased out over time. But just like fake blood in a carpet, every bit of Halloween’s history left an impression we can see traces of today.

Gallery Credit: Brit McGinnis