Had anyone ever heard of, or even thought about, a wall of hundreds of Jack-O-Lanterns? Probably not until last year's inaugural Wall-O-Lantern event put on by the Aldergrove Business Association (ABA).

Heading into year two of the event, organizers see it as even bigger and better with so much Halloween fun, some of it is being kept under wraps as a surprise for attendees.

"Wall-O-Lantern was a concept that had never been done in Canada," said ABA president, Bruce Heslop. "We want to bring people into the community to see what we're about."

In addition to the ambitious goal of stacking 800 pumpkins on scaffolding at All Seasons Garden Centre, award winning family performer, Charlotte Diamond will have a show on site.

B.C.'s own Diamond is celebrating 25 years of family music. People can expect favourites like Four Hugs a Day, Looking for Dracula, and La Bamaba to be performed.

"There's a lots of good stuff going on all day," Heslop noted.

Good stuff indeed. The event runs Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes live performances by Red Lion Revival, Langley Music School Fiddlers, Poppy and the Pistols, and more.

Families can take in free hayrides, a bouncy castle, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, and other activities. If quieter things are more your family's speed, come by the Langley Advance tent for kid's colouring.

Did someone say pie? Three times during the day participants will engage in a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Don't forget about the pumpkin carving. It's free with a minimum five dollar donation to BC Children's Hospital.

All 800 pumpkins will be carved on site. Kids can choose their own design and carve it on their own, or with help from an adult.

"We need to keep it safe and fun," commented Heslop.

There will be prizes for the best carved pumpkins and each one will become part of the feature pumpkin wall which will stay up for a few days so everyone can enjoy it, Heslop said.

"The Aldergrove Business Association is a big supporter of kids," he noted. "We want to reduce crime, help people get to know the community, support local businesses, and help kids. Wall-O-Lantern accomplishes a lot of those things."

Last year's event saw more than 2,000 people in attendance and the ABA knew they could make the event even bigger.

"We were looking to increase that [number] significantly and believe we will with the entertainment we're bringing in," Heslop remarked.

Once the Wall-O-Lantern is set up and ready, a special guest will be on hand to do the lighting.

"There are a couple of surprises that aren't on the poster," Heslop said.

Most everything at the event is by donation and all funds raised will go to BC Children's Hospital.

Drop by All Seasons Garden Center on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the howling festivities.

editorial@langleyadvance.com