NORWICH – October is steadily drawing to a close and the weather has taken a significant turn for the worse which can mean only one thing: It’s time to carve out the jack-o-lanterns and tote them down to the park in downtown Norwich for the Pumpkin Festival.
Pumpkins can be registered all day Friday and until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Pumpkinfest itself will be open Friday and Saturday to conclude at 8:30 p.m. with the official pumpkin count and a fireworks display.
Now entering its 13th year, the Norwich Pumpkin Festival has always been an opportunity for Chenango County residents to come together and celebrate autumn’s return.
This year will be no different despite difficulties caused by the September floods, said event coordinator Pegi LoPresti.
“Our biggest problem was finding pumpkins,” said LoPresti, who explained that a wet spring and severe flooding had limited the supply. Those that were available were much more expensive than previous years, leading the event committee to cancel the community pumpkin carving tent.
“We’re relying on the public to bring their own pumpkins for everyone to enjoy,” said LoPresti.
Despite the absence of the carving tent, LoPresti assured that there would still be many activities for families to enjoy throughout the weekend completely free of charge. Entertainment, fall food, the YMCA parade and two haunted houses are just a few of the options the event has to offer.
The first haunted house will take place at the Colonia Theatre on Friday. There will be a children’s walk-through from 4-4:45 p.m. and an young adult/adult walk-through from 5-7 p.m.
The second haunted house will be within the park itself and will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. for a younger crowd and from 5-9 p.m. for the older crowd. Both haunted houses will be free of charge.
The YMCA parade will kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Parade awards will be presented at 3:15 p.m. on the main stage in West Park.
“We just want everyone to come out and have a good time,” said Julie Wallen, parade coordinator, who explained that any children who showed up to the main stage is eligible to win a prize. Bicycles, camping equipment, sleds and YMCA memberships are just a few of the prizes, Wallen said.
There will also be no end to the entertainment on the new main stage in East Park. Friday will see Shawn Hawkins take the stage and on Saturday Cosmic Karma Fire Show, an addition this year, and Ruby Shooz will kick-off the evening before the official pumpkin count and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
“I think there’s something there for everyone,” said Marilyn Oliver, entertainment coordinator.
For those who would like to dress up for Halloween, there will be plenty of opportunities and even some available prizes. Children will of course get a chance to show off their ghoulish garb and getups during the parade on Friday, but this year adults will also have a chance to win prizes during Saturday night’s closing ceremony.
Of course, to include the entire family, Pet Street Station will also be putting on the Dog-Gone Scary costume contest for pets that want to show off their own scary side.
If it’s food you’re looking for, there will be plenty of vendors to keep everyone satisfied with apple pies, ciders and more, said LoPresti. There will also be a pumpkin pie eating contest for anyone ready for a challenge.
With entertainment, games, prizes, costumes and pumpkins galore, LoPresti said she believes this year will be another great success for Pumpkinfest.
“It’s really made possible by the individuals, businesses and foundations that year after year throw their support behind this event,” she said. “But it’s the volunteers who make it happen ... whether they work year round, or pitch-in to set-up and tear-down ... we couldn’t do it without them.
For more information about Pumpkinfest or any of the associated activities, contact the Norwich BID office at 336-1811 or go to norwichpumpkinfestival.com.