From October 30th, 2017:

If you notice pumpkins painted teal this Halloween, there is a very good reason behind it.

Kailey Noel wants to get as many Lacombians participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project as possible, and she explains why.

“The Teal Pumpkin (Project) is a movement that offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, such as peanuts, wheat allergies, all kinds of food allergies. And then you have other things such as type 1 diabetes, and that’s why we are so passionate, it because my daughter has type 1 diabetes, and she’s also celiac, so the teal pumpkin offers these kids something when candy or treats is not an option.”

Noel says it's as simple as painting a pumpkin teal and displaying it, or there are a few other options if you don't have a jack-o-lantern.

“You can go on to the Teal Pumpkin project online, and print off posters for on your window. They say things like ‘non-food treats available here’ or ‘we have candy, and non-food treats.’”

Noel says there are plenty of easy alternatives to traditional candy that can be handed out, including Pokémon cards, Play-Doh, swim passes, and even allergy free types of food.

(Photo courtesy of Kailey Noel showcasing her front porch, from October 30th, 2017)