Despite the wet weather, a “gourd” time was had by all at Mercer Island’s second annual Pumpkin Walk on Oct. 21.

Participants — mostly wearing rain jackets and carrying umbrellas, though a few showed up in costume — enjoyed a display of carved and lit pumpkins that lined the trail along the northwest quadrant of Pioneer Park.

They also received glow stick necklaces and hot chocolate, sponsored by the Mercer Island Preschool Association.

Organizers estimated that about 2,000 people came out for the event.

“It was awesome so many people still braved the rain to attend,” said Amanda Colburn, who planned the walk with Kau’ilani Robinson, Lindsey Holt and their families.

The event, which was sponsored by Mercer Island Dentistry, Mercer Island Athletic Club, Mercer Island Pediatrics and Fit 4 Mom Bellevue/Mercer Island, started an hour earlier this year, at 5 p.m., so families with younger kids could take a daylight stroll to see the pumpkins. It went until 8 p.m.

For more information on the event, see www.facebook.com/MIPumpkinWalk.

Milana Robinson admires one of the carved pumpkins. Photo courtesy of Amanda Colburn

Volunteers Eric Robinson, Jason Schauer, Clay Colburn, Dave Vavrichek and Coleman Brown get ready to help arrange the pumpkins along the trail. Photo courtesy of Amanda Colburn

Jack O’ Lanterns line the northwest perimeter trail of Pioneer Park for Mercer Island’s second annual Pumpkin Walk. Photo courtesy of Matthew Staver

Organizers Lindsey Holt, Amanda Colburn and Kau’ilani Robinson pose next to the sign for the event. Photo courtesy of Amanda Colburn

Islanders with umbrellas stroll through the Pumpkin Walk. Photo courtesy of Matthew Staver