Llano holds first Lighted Pumpkin Float

The first-ever Llano River Lighted Pumpkin Float was held on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, at Badu Park in Llano.

The event's coordinator, Cheryl Quallenberg, has been holding the Llano Pumpkin Carving Contest for the past 10 years.

"The night was pure magic and I could not have envisioned a better setting or turnout when I decided to change the concept,” she said. “While the past 10 years of pumpkin contests was geared for more local family fun, this opens it up to visitors and creates an attractive draw. It was treated as an art installation. There is nothing more beautiful than light reflecting on the river.

“We had visitor-participants from Canyon Lake, Burnet, Blanco and even Spain. I think removing the contest portion of it also makes it more inviting. Everyone can carve a pumpkin!"

The event featured pumpkin-carving demonstrations, children's games, music and more, but the highlight of the evening came at sunset as the Witch and the Butterfly paddled in a canoe, trailing lighted pumpkins, and then deposited them with another grouping of lighted pumpkins floating in the river.

The beautiful scene and the relaxing atmosphere along the shore of the Llano River was a pleasant outdoor experience for everyone, both young and old.

Quallenberg recognized Binky Morgan, Ron Anderson, Heather Martin, Shawn Walker, Rich Houston, and Lou Quallenberg as volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. LaNell McKinney, Robin Chiesa and Lowe's Market provided pumpkins. Lynda Gammage provided paddleboards, Llano Tire & Automotive provided inner tubes.  John Caballero, Randy Hurst and Marcus Hammons led music, pumpkin carving and pumpkin stacking.

Interested in making a donation or volunteering to help bring another Pumpkin Float to Llano? Contact Cheryl Quallenberg 512/417-9274