By Reema Makani Boccia | Growing Balboa Park

With the lazy days of summer officially in the rear view mirror, we can now look forward to all things fall and pumpkin, especially in the jewel of San Diego’s Balboa Park.

There are a number of entities that help to preserve all that the park has to offer, and Friends of Balboa Park is one such affinity organization that is proud to be an integral part of bringing enhancements to the park’s many facets.

Below are just a few of the projects and events they have for the community to enjoy this fall:

Sponsor a pumpkin in the Botanical Building

Friends of Balboa Park sponsors quarterly floral displays in the iconic Botanical Building — Easter lilies in the spring, orchids in the summer, pumpkins in the fall and poinsettias in the winter.

Friends is now accepting sponsorships for pumpkins at just $20 each, and they can be sponsored by you or dedicated to a loved one. There are limited opportunities available, so please contact us through our website or call 619-232-2282.

Capital campaign for the Carousel

The Friends of Balboa Park are also the proud new owner of the historic, century-old Balboa Park Carousel, located on Park Boulevard, just outside of the Zoo entrance.

The organization hosted an official kick-off event on July 25, National Carousel Day, which attracted nearly 10,000 visitors to the carousel.

Friends is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds to complete purchase of the carousel as well as fund restoration of the historic structure. Donations as little as $25 can help; for more information, visit our website.

Annual awards luncheon

Friends recognizes those who make a difference in the community and around Balboa Park during the organization’s annual luncheon, which this year will be held Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Balboa Club.

While nomination periods have closed, there are three categories of awards presented at the luncheon; the Millennium Awards, which honor individuals or organizations that have made a long-term contribution to the park; the Inspiration Awards, honoring long term contributions in volunteer service to the park; and the Betty Peabody Emerging Young Leader Award, which recognizes emerging professionals who have demonstrated leadership by example in the park.

To learn more about the luncheon, purchase tickets, or to inquire about table sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.

Friends of Balboa Park is an affinity group that enhances and maintains Balboa Park through donations and various programs with the park. The nonprofit has spearheaded major capital improvement initiatives throughout the park, including information kiosks, restoration of the historic gate houses and lily pond, Adopt-A-Plot, bench tributes, tree dedications, and other programs that facilitate the community’s direct involvement in the enhancement of Balboa Park. More information on each of these programs can be found online.

We look forward to fall around Balboa Park.

—Reema Makani Boccia is a local public relations professional who serves as a communications consultant for Friends of Balboa Park. For more information, visit FriendsOfBalboaPark.org or call 619-232-2282.