One of the fall favorites in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Pumpkinfest, is set to return to the Salem Farmers Market this Saturday, October 29. This year’s event will once again take place from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and feature a costume contest and pumpkin give-away. Plus, attendees can walk through our “Chefs vs. Surgeons” Jack O' Lantern patch, vote for their favorite carved pumpkin and later bid on it in the pumpkin auction. In addition, children can buy tickets for carnival games and inflatables.
Festivities kick-off at 9:30 a.m. with a free spooky storytime and craft on the lawn at the Salem Public Library. Youngsters also will have a chance to Trick or Treat with the downtown merchants an hour before Pumpkinfest starts. Children can meet at the Farmers Market at 10 a.m. and trick or treat up and down Main Street until 11 a.m. In addition, attendees are encouraged to spend time at the Salem Police Department’s Open House just a block away on E. Calhoun Street. That free event takes place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pumpkinfest admission for adults and children is just $1.99 a person, but Children will be admitted free if they are wearing a costume! Hotdogs and chips will be available and sold throughout the day, as well.
All proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics. This year’s Pumpkinfest is sponsored by Q99-FM, and Salem Parks and Recreation. For additional information call the Parks and Rec. Department at 375-3057.