By MATT PIKE
Pumpkinfest is returning to St. Joseph for a 30th year next month, bringing three days of fun events to downtown St. Joseph near the Pony Express Museum.
Pumpkinfest will run October 2nd through the 4th. The festival will feature fun family entertainment, along with several other fun events running from 5 to 9pm on Friday October 2nd, noon to 9pm on October 3rd, and from noon to 4:30pm on October 4th. The Pumpkin Mountain will also make its return and will be lit on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm. Prior to the lighting of the mountain, there will be a flag raising ceremony and the national anthem will be played. The flag raising ceremonies will be at 7:45pm, on Friday, October 2nd, the flag will be raised by the St. Joseph Fire Department.
Children will be invited during the festival to make a scarecrow for the scarecrow row and will be eligible to win prizes in the contest. On Saturday, at Patee Hall children can put on their Halloween costumes and participate in the costume contest and parade. Registration will be at 10am with the parade at 11am, ending typically around 11:45 at the Pumpkin Mountain, with winners of the costume contest following.
During the festival, there will be several vendors on site for shopping. Family entertainment will be on the grounds throughout the day, including Will Stuck, Phil Vandel, Doc’s 100 Proof Band, and the Hontz Family Band. B.J. Talley, Orrick Acres Petting Zoo, pony rides, and Paul Kirkman will also entertain families. New to this year's festival will be glassblowing for kids to try.
You can learn more about Pumpkinfest, and see the schedule of events, by clicking HERE.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.