Since 2021, the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) has hosted Pumpkins on Main with the charming local businesses downtown. With small pumpkins hidden in stores around town, children of all ages are welcome to search for each and every pumpkin.

“We really love the community, so we wanted to get involved. We’re also a fairly new store, so we figured the best way is to participate in the community’s events,” said Brittany Wybenga, a manager of 5 Little Monkeys.

Some participating stores have donated prizes such as gift cards that participants who discover all the pumpkins can win.

“Superfly is donating a BMX bike, and 5 Little Monkeys is giving a 5 dollar gift card to people as they turn in their forms. We also have a 25 dollar gift card that someone can win. I think there’s probably other gift cards from the downtown businesses, too,” said Judy Wheeler, owner of Towne Center Books.

Winners will be drawn and announced on October 31 through the PDA’s social media accounts. And both the Pleasanton Downtown Association and the participating downtown businesses had put in a lot of planning to ensure the hunt is fun and functional. 

“We’ve done it before and we do a Waldo hunt every July. So, it’s sort of based on how we made that work over the years. It’s sponsored by the Pleasanton Downtown Association and we divvied up the duties. I contacted the businesses to see if they wanted to participate. The museum and I are printing out the forms,” said Wheeler. 

Throughout the month, children all over town have been scouring stores in search of pumpkins. Stores have also been seeing an increase in visitors.

“I’ve definitely been seeing quite a few [participants] each day. At least three sometimes, or eight or so. Little groups might come in finding the pumpkin and such,” said Kalise Bailey, a manager at Color Me Mine.