Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow

The 31st Annual Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow Hosted by Keller Williams Advisors in Partnership with the Grafton Hill Association

One of Dayton’s most beloved traditions enters its 31st year as the Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow returns to the Stoddard Avenue hill behind Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 500 Belmonte Park North in Dayton’s Grafton Hill neighborhood, on October 27th and 28th from 6-10 PM. Organizers encourage the community to not only attend the Glow but also to volunteer in the days leading up to the event to help gut, trace, and carve nearly 1,000 pumpkins.

Started in 1984 by Grafton Hill neighbor Judy Chaffin, lovingly known as “The Pumpkin Lady,” the event has grown from a modest display of 30 pumpkins to nearly 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns over the years.

“The Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow represents the very best of this historic Dayton community, bringing together volunteers from across the region to create a spectacle unlike anything else in the area,” says David Moyer of Keller Williams Advisors, the 2025 Chair of the Glow. “Of course, we couldn’t do it without the hundreds of volunteers who show up days before the event to cut, carve, and trace pumpkins. When I saw the opportunity to help keep this event alive, it was a no-brainer—creating a strong sense of community is exactly what we do. There’s so much fun to be had during the process, and we make sure to provide food for volunteers throughout the day. Best of all, the event is always free and open to the public, and we intend to keep it that way.”

Parking will be available at Dayton Art Institute, the Dayton Masonic Center, and throughout the neighborhood. Stoddard Avenue will be blocked off for the event and open to pedestrians, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the display. Food trucks from all over the greater Dayton area will be on-site again this year. We are also thrilled to welcome back the Friends of SICSA, who will have goodies available to benefit the SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center, making this a true community affair. Be sure to stop by the tent at the top of the hill for some extra special surprises!

To volunteer, visit us online on Facebook or at www.graftonhill.org for more information. Volunteer dates include:

• Thursday, October 23rd: Pumpkin Gutting
• Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th: Tracing and carving
• Sunday, October 26th: Final Carving and Pumpkin placement on the hill

The pumpkins will be lit on Monday, October 27th, and open to the public from 6-10 PM, with the display open again on Tuesday, October 28th during the same hours.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EAFAA29AAFBCE9-58623652-stoddard#/

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

 https://www.facebook.com/TheStoddardAvenuePumpkinGlow

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of ALLSTATE Mike Hilde, the Charles D. Berry Foundation, NW Fidelity Title, Jessica Benge and The Benge Mortgage Team, Square One Salon and Spa, The Schray Team of Pillar to Post Home Inspections, and the City of Dayton