By Mallory Collier

Writer for ‘52 Things to do in Chenango County’

NORWICH – Passing through downtown Norwich, NY in October and seeing jack-o’-lanterns lighting up the night can only mean one thing: Pumpkin Festival. This iconic sight is a reminder to the community that the popular pumpkin themed event has returned.

For the 18th year straight Pumpkin Fest will take place Friday and Saturday October 28th and 29th at East and West Parks. While many know it affectionately as a local event, it began in 1999 after a group of individuals visited another Pumpkin Festival in Keene, NH. Inspired by the event, they decided to start a similar tradition here in Norwich offering families a weekend of fun and free entertainment.