Fall Fun at the Y

Floating pumpkins might seem like an odd sight to see, but at the Y, it’s quickly becoming an annual tradition at our Gold Country branch. On Saturday, October 18, the YMCA hosted its 3rd annual Fall Carnival and Floating Pumpkin Patch, and the day was filled with laughter, color, and community spirit.

Children and families enjoyed a variety of festive activities, from classic carnival games with prizes to face painting and pumpkin decorating. But the highlight of the day was the Floating Pumpkin Patch — a playful twist on a fall favorite, where kids swam into the pool to pick out their perfect pumpkin. Smiles and splashes filled the air as little ones “bobbed for pumpkins” and showed off their picks to family and friends.

Families who attended shared how much they appreciated the event, calling it “such a sweet day” and expressing gratitude that the Y continues to bring the community together through family-friendly gatherings like this. The laughter, teamwork, and togetherness made it clear that events like the Fall Carnival and Floating Pumpkin Patch are about much more than games — they’re about connection.

This special event wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our community partners. A big thank you goes out to Safeway and Holiday Market in Auburn for their gift card donations, and an extra-special shoutout to Holiday Market in Penn Valley for donating 80 pumpkins that made our patch possible! We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Gold Country Youth and Government volunteers, who brought energy and enthusiasm to every carnival game station.