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Children had a chance to dress up and celebrate Halloween early at the Waterfront Park’s 11th Annual Pumpkin Patch party on Sunday. 

The big draw, of course, was a chance to take home a free pumpkin. And there were quite a few. So many, in fact, little ones had their pick of nearly 1,000 pumpkins!  

Children customized their personal pumpkins with the decorating supplies on hand   before taking them home.  

But not before enjoying the party. The Halloween celebration featured inflatable slides, jumps and an obstacle course, carnival games, a photo booth, face painting and a DJ to pump up the party atmosphere. Food trucks were on hand for anyone who wanted to buy a snack. 

Kids, and even some parents, dressed up in their Halloween costumes and showed them off in a costume contest in hopes of winning prizes for the funniest, most original or family costume. 

About 3,500 people turned out for the pumpkin patch party. 

County Parks and Recreation organized the free community event, the San Diego County Parks Society helped sponsor the festivities and First 5 San Diego provided the pumpkins.