(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) Monica McElroy-Denissen, new owner of The Viking in Norway, gets ready for the first Pumpkin-Palooza on Friday. The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. and is open to Norway area third and fourth graders. Activities will be in the parking lot of the motel at 705 Norway St. There’s no charge, but registration is required.

NORWAY — In preparation for the city of Norway’s Leif Erikson Festival, The Viking will host a Pumpkin-Palooza on Friday.

The event, which is open to Norway area third and fourth graders, will run from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the motel at 705 Norway St.

The event is free, said Monica McElroy-Denissen, owner of The Viking in Norway, adding that it is limited to first 50 participants.

The highlight of the festivities is pumpkin decorating. Each child will be provided with a pumpkin, as well as all the supplies needed to create a unique design.

The decorated pumpkins will then be delivered to 25 Norway businesses, where the community will be able to vote on their favorites through noon Friday, Oct. 11.

Voters can select a pumpkin at each location, not just one overall, McElroy-Denissen explained.

As visitors go to each business, they can also get their “Viking Passport” stamped. Those that fill the entire card will be put into a drawing for $100 Viking Bucks.

“It’s a great way to get people into Norway — there’s probably stores that many locals have never been in,” said McElroy-Denissen, noting that she is working with Norway Downtown Development Event Coordinator Gina Zanon.

“We want people to start reconnecting with the city,” she added.

The winner of the pumpkin decorating contest will receive a “great prize package,” said McElroy-Denissen.

Pumpkins will be collected on Friday and brought to the bandshell on Main Street for display for the Leif Erikson Festival.

Following the festival parade at about 1:30 p.m., they will announce winners of both the pumpkin and Passport contest at the downtown stage.

Kids who attend the Oct. 12 festival are welcome to take their own pumpkin home at that time. They also hope to do a group picture at that time.

Other Friday activities at The Viking include a treasure hunt, corn hole and Connect Four.

Refreshments will be served and kids will receive taffy apples and other treats.

McElroy-Denissen gave a special thanks to the Friends of the Dickinson County Fair for use of the popcorn machine for the evening.

They will have special prop opportunities for the kids for selfies and group photographs.

Each student will have pictures taken with their pumpkins.

Fun, background Halloween music will be playing to get the kids in the spirit, added McElroy-Denissen.

Kids are welcome to come in costume, however it isn’t required.

Registration is required, with sign-up forms available at the Norway Elementary School and at Norway City Hall.

McElroy-Denissen said she decided to do the event because The Viking isn’t open yet, as they are planning on renovations over the winter, but wanted to do something community-related. “I love doing something for the kids — it brings a lot of joy,” she added.

Everyone should dress appropriately for the weather as it will be held rain or shine.

They asked for young participants to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“I have ideas already on how we can expand it for next year,” McElroy-Denissen said. “We are going to have some fun with it and it’s going to be an annual event.”

McElroy-Denissen added she plans to keep the fun Halloween theme going throughout the month, with the possibility of turning the grounds into the “Bates Motel” for a day.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772 ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.