First ever Gourd Days takes place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — As the annual Winter Village at the DECC has found years of success, a fall version call Gourd Days looks to make a new tradition.

As Gourd Days kicked off today, local businesses and organizations lined harbor drive behind the DECC, displaying fall themed crafts, goods and treats.

There’s fall also activities to explore, including a pumpkin bounce house for the kids and a hay ride on the vista fleet.

While the weather may still feel like summer, many people grabbed pumpkins and gourds to get into the autumn spirit.

“You get to see and talk to and meet so many new people. It’s just an awesome opportunity. This is the first year of gourd days down here, and it’s also been a great day so far. Kicking off on a Friday, met quite a few new people. A lot of people have stumbled upon it just as they’re, you know, headed up north for colors,” Kyia Plummer-Caven, Owner of Naturalight Candles said.

After selling at the Winter Village for a few years, Naturalight Candles who make hand poured candles, are trying out Gourd Days.

Natural light candles also offer a unique experience by selling wrapped up books for “blind date with a book.”

“Those are just a fun gift idea for yourself or for others. You can’t judge a book by the cover if you can’t see the cover, so just gives you a little glimpse of what’s inside, and then you get to unwrap it, for a surprise,” Plummer-Caven said.

Gourd Days runs Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Admission is free, and onsite parking at the DECC is 10$