All things October could be found on the Town Hall Lawn on Friday evening as families gathered for the Recreation Department’s Pumpkins in the Park event.

Children, some with the help of their parents, painted and carved pumpkins. After, families transitioned to chairs and blankets as the sun set for a playing of Steven Spielberg’s E.T.

Recreation Department Program Coordinator Christina O’Connor said the event was meant to merge the traditional seasonal staple of pumpkin carving with a spooky but family friendly film as Halloween approaches.

“I like everything about this event,” said O’Connor. “It’s heated towards families and allows them to get creative. It’s just a great atmosphere.”

The event was completely sold out, and over 55 pumpkins were carved on the lawn.

O’Connor said she helped with a similar event during her time with Leominster’s recreation department, and she thought it would be a great offering to bring to Swampscott.

Multiple families approached O’Connor and said it was their children’s first time carving a pumpkin.

“It’s really special to hear that,” said O’Connor. “This is an encompassing moment. It’s a heavy lift but it’s worth it and great to see everyone enjoying it.”

Some children focused on carving a scary or funny face into their pumpkin, while others were more interested in giving their pumpkins a colorful makeover. By the end of the evening, there were red, purple and green pumpkins in the park.

Families were responsible for bringing their own carving tools, while O’Connor, Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia and other volunteers handled the clean up, which O’Connor said provided a unique opportunity for parents as pumpkin carving tends to create a mess.

The Christian Lutheran Church of Marblehead supplied most of the pumpkins for the event at a discount.

As attendees finished up their carvings and showtime approached, warm popcorn and fresh cotton candy stole the show, because it wouldn’t be October without some sweets.