money Pumpkins and more to enjoy at the annual PumpkinFest in Confluence
Bring out your pumpkins and celebrate the festivities of PumpkinFest in Confluence Oct. 7 to 9.
The event features a wide variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
PumpkinFest kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with the PumpkinFest Queen Pageant and Crowning at the Turkeyfoot Valley School District. Three Turkeyfoot school teens will compete for the title to reign over the 33rd annual PumpkinFest activities.
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Craft and food vendors will be open between 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Various bands, including The Rugg Band, Part Time Cowboys, Allison Borek, Country Express and Stoneycreek Bluegrass, will perform in the entertainment tent Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
PumpkinFest events include balloon bounce, kids tractor pull, car smash, photo contest, pumpkin pie eating contest, largest pumpkin contest, Bingo and a 5K run/walk.
Tom Close Sr. said vendors, crafts, a pie eating contest and smash a car are usually highlights of the festival. He is also excited about the 21st annual Tough Man Truck Pull with teams of fire departments competing.
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The festival gives arts, crafts and food vendors the opportunity to show and sell their goods in the town park.
"We're having buggy rides as well as hay rides around the Confluence area," said Sherman Gary, director for the Confluence Volunteer Fire Department. Pick up and drop off will be at the community park.
Shuttle pick up and drop off will be at both the Turkeyfoot Valley School and the Ursina American Legion.
"Parking is at a premium in Confluence," Gary said, so he recommends taking the shuttle. He said it runs continuously. "Free admission to everything and free shuttle service is appreciated by the people coming."
He said a fun activity is the Roof Garden Tractor Buddies performance in front of Beggs Printing. Gary also mentions the 31st annual Antique Car Show with DJ Johnny Be Good on Baxter Street.
"When the weather is good, we get a nice turnout of cars for it," he said.
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The Grand Feature Parade, sponsored by the Confluence Volunteer Fire Department, at 5 p.m. Sunday caps off the weekend of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
"It's usually a nice parade," Gary said.
Gary has been involved with the PumpkinFest since it began. He said he has always been part of the planning committee.
"We do enjoy it," he said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Plenty of activities at annual PumpkinFest in Confluence
