The second annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway to take place in Upper Beaches this Sunday

Erin Horrocks-Pope Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

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Cori Endrory at Reesor's Farm Market in Markham on Oct. 22, 2020, picking up pumpkins for the second annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway. (Cori Endrory)

The second annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway will be taking place this Sunday at Prologue Café in the Upper Beaches.

Cori Endrory, the co-founder of East End Life and local realtor for Forrest Hill Realty, launched the event last year to engage residents for some pre-Halloween fun.

Endrory decided to go ahead with the Great Pumpkin Giveaway this year despite Covid-19, inspired to maintain some seasonal normality for a community that loves this spooky season.

“This year we can’t do the things that we’re used to doing,” Endrory said. “So, we decided to go ahead and just keep the event outside.”

With caution and implementation of safety protocols, like controlling the number of people at a time, and asking for people to wear masks, Endrory is confident that the event will run smoothly.

Endrory will be delivering pumpkins in "Mary Alice", the 1972 Porsche 914, to those who are unable to attend the Great Pumpkin Giveaway on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Prologue Cafe. (Instagram @prologuecafe)

At least 150 pumpkins will be available for pickup outside Prologue Café at 2249 Gerrard St. E. on Sunday, Oct. 25 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Luke Szyptka opened Prologue Café in 2018 and was approached by Endrory to host the first pumpkin giveaway in 2019.

“The neighbourhood really supports him. He’s a great guy. He runs a great business and I love the opportunity to bring more people to a local business,” Endrory said.

Endrory and Szyptka outside Prologue Cafe at 2249 Gerrard St. E. at the first annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway in 2019. (Cori Endrory).

Endrory moved into the neighbourhood four years ago and describes The Beach as “a small town in a big city,” recognizing how important community-based events are.

“Everyone’s super tight-knit. The Beach has really managed to hang on to that sense of community that some other communities have not been so fortunate to maintain.”

With trick-or-treating being cancelled this year due to the pandemic, Endrory hopes to see lots of neighbours dressed in their costumes at Prologue Café picking up some pumpkins and their favourite seasonal drinks from the café, like the salted caramel latte which is highly recommended by Endrory.

Beach Beat recommends the pumpkin spice latte from Prologue Cafe!