The second annual Cochrane Pumpkin Lantern Festival is all about collaboration.

This year seven Cochrane schools are coming together to light up the pathways at the Cochrane Ranche Historic site.

Carrie Cline, Cochrane High School, Parent School Council Chair, says with last year's success they are hopeful to make this event even bigger.

 "This year we decided that it would be great to have all the school's work together, so we could have the school communities working together to approach the larger communities and creating an event for the whole community at large."

Cochrane High, Bow Valley High, Manachaban, Glenbow, Mitford, Elizabeth Barrett,  and Ecole Notre-Dame des Vallees school communities are working together to carve out a new annual tradition.

Less about the scare factor, Cline, says the event is all about uniting community.

"We try to create this magical environment with lanterns and pumpkins, it is not so much a Halloween event but a celebration of the pumpkin and the creativity of carving and also to celebrate local talent."

Besides there being over 200 pumpkins set up along the trails, a stage is also available for students to busk/perform to showcase their band or musical talent.

The festival provides and opportunity to be creative, advertise your business, or a family project; all entries are welcome and encouraged.

With Cochrane being such a tight knit community, the Lantern Festival is just another way to bring people together.

Food trucks, baked goods, and hot chocolate are all a part of the evening festivities which happen on Friday, October 28, 6-9pm.

 If you would like to enter a pumpkin you can do so here.