By John Bolthouse | Growing Balboa Park 

Pumpkin Dedications, 18th Annual Luncheon and the Balboa Park Carousel

With kids back in school and the summer heat (somewhat) breaking, we are looking forward to all things autumn, especially here in the “Jewel of San Diego.” Friends of Balboa Park, a nonprofit that champions the legacy and beauty of the park, is stewarding a number of exclusive opportunities for the community to celebrate and enhance Balboa Park:

Dedicate a pumpkin

Friends sponsors the seasonal floral displays in Balboa Park’s iconic Botanical Building and is now accepting dedications for the annual fall pumpkin display for $25 each, two for $45 or $20 each for three or more dedications. The pumpkins are scheduled to be on display during the entire month of November. Dedications can be made “in honor” or “in memory” of a loved one, and are tax-deductible. Limited opportunities are available, so please support this seasonal tradition.

18th Annual Awards Luncheon: ‘Music in the Park’

Friends recognizes those who make a difference in Balboa Park at the organization’s Annual Awards Luncheon, to be held on Friday, Oct. 19. This year’s event will honor musical entities in the park, including the Spreckels Organ Society and the San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory. The event will also highlight volunteers and leaders who help make the park the jewel that it is for residents and visitors. To attend or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call or visit our website below.

Balboa Park Carousel

In 2017, Friends acquired the historic Balboa Park Carousel and launched a multi-year, $3 million fundraising capital campaign to restore and complete the purchase. The campaign has surpassed the $1.2 million mark, thanks to the community’s generosity. We still have a ways to go to reach our next milestone, and need your support. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today, and help preserve one of the park’s most beloved icons!

For more information on Friends’ events and park improvement projects, or to support the Balboa Park Carousel, call 619-232-2282 or visit www.friendsofbalboapark.org.

—John Bolthouse is the executive director of Friends of Balboa Park. For more information, visit FriendsOfBalboaPark.org.