NORWICH – There’s just enough time left before the holiday season rolls around for one final downtown, community-based gathering as the 12th Annual Pumpkin Festival kicks off Friday.
The two-day event, which typically draws between 3,000 and 5,000 spectators throughout the weekend, is an opportunity for residents county-wide to enjoy a variety of games, contests, activities and entertainment, according to Pumpkin Festival coordinator Pegi LoPresti.
“We’re just hoping that everyone remembers to bring their carved pumpkins down to help with our pumpkin count,” said LoPresti. “There’s literally a contest or activity for everyone and I think it’s great that we can offer all of these activities free for the community.”
Chairman of the Pumpkin Festival Board of Directors Gary Brightman reported it takes an extremely large and dedicated group of volunteers to get things set up for Pumpkin Fest. Preparations typically take up the entire week leading up to the event.
“We’re hoping it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone this year,” he added.
Friday’s festivities begin at noon and those wishing to drop off their pumpkins or scarecrows will be able to do so from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, reported LoPresti. Entertainment will be provided by Fritz’s Polka Band and local rockers My New Obsession, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively, and the Broad Street Methodist Church will host its Harvest Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.
New to the festival this year, according to contest coordinator Debbie Bowers, the Giant Pumpkin Contest. While the festival has typically featured a giant pumpkin display, this will be the first year the gigantic specimens will be judged. Weigh-ins for the competition will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, she added.
On Saturday, festival-goers can expect a number of returning activities and contests, said Bowers, including her personal favorite the Doggone Scary Contest – where costumed pets compete for the top prize in several categories – the Pumpkin Bake-Off and annual Costume Contest, Pumpkin Pie Eating and Creative Carving Contests, and the annual YMCA Halloween parade.
The parade, which begins at approximately 2 p.m., has been a Norwich tradition for more than four decades, according to Norwich YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen. This year, the parade will feature a dozen local participating organizations and as always, is open to anyone wishing to take part.
Entertainment on Saturday will feature a 10 a.m. performance by the Claddagh Ring Irish Dancers; the Donna Frech Dancers at 11 a.m.; local favorite Emilee Smith at 1 p.m.; a 5 p.m. performance by the Hailey & Shawn Country Rockers; country act Sundown at 6 p.m. and the Binghamton-based Splash! at 7 p.m.
Additional entertainment will be provided by festival-favorites Wacky Chad and the Mad Science Spook-tacular.
LoPresti reported another exciting development at this year’s Pumpkin Fest, as the Haunted House will, for the first time, be held on festival grounds, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in East Park.
Prior to Saturday’s Official Pumpkin Count and fireworks display, Pumpkin Fest officials will set aloft a number of Wishlantern Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns. The high flying balloon-like lanterns – which are 99 percent biodegradable – will be available for $10 at the T-shirt and sweatshirt both, as part of the Pumpkinfest Wishlantern Sponsorship campaign. When lit, the warm air created causes the lanterns to rise skyward.
“It should be really light up the evening sky, which should be quite impressive for all onlookers,” said LoPresti. “It’s really amazing just how far and how high they go.”
The Norwich Pumpkin Festival is free for all ages and will take place rain or shine. For more information call 336-1811 or visit www.norwichpumpkinfestival.com.