The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of local festival fun, as Saturday’s Festival of Pumpkins celebration in Snohomish will prove. The celebration caps a month of local farm events.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids can release some creativity, as well as some energy, in making crafts and during sessions of pumpkin soccer, pumpkin ring toss, flying pumpkin beanbag toss and other games — with prizes, of course.
The event also will feature costume contests for pets and people, with an 11 a.m. owner-and-pet contest, a costume sidewalk parade at 12:30 p.m., and finally a 1 p.m. children’s costume contest. Judging takes place at 2 p.m., with winners announced at 2:30 p.m. Contestants will register just before each contest starts.
The pets-and-owners contest is based on “Best Look-a-Like,” while the kids’ contest looks for costumes worthy of being named “Funniest” or “Most Creative.”
Another trademark event of the festival, the Greatest Pumpkin River Race, now in its third year, will start at 3:45 p.m. at the old railroad trestle and will end at the Avenue D bridge. Race tickets cost $5 apiece. Tickets correspond to the numbers written on the pumpkins, in order to determine first-, second- and third-place winners. Kla Ha Ya Park on First Street will be set up as a race-viewing area.
The Festival of Pumpkins carved pumpkin contest began Thursday and ends Saturday. Those interested in entering a pumpkin are asked to bring their carved creations to the John L. Scott building at First Street and Avenue A. Entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. Saturday. The judging begins at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Carving categories include “Scariest,” “Funniest” and “Most Creative.” Age groups are for 9 years and older (through adults); 8 years and under. Prize money will be awarded to each group’s winner. For further contest information, call 425-350-5448. The carved orange orbs also will be the focus later in the day, for the 5 p.m. pumpkin lighting ceremony at First Street and Avenue A.
“One of the goals of Snohomish’s strategic plan is to promote our agricultural assets,” the city’s economic development manaÂger, Debbie Emge, said. “The Festival of Pumpkins is the perfect event for showcasing how farming is an integral part our Snohomish community. Our local businesses appreciate the opportunity to show off all we have to offer to the many farm visitors.”
Local farms participating in the Festival of Pumpkins will welcome visitors, too. For a full list of farms, their hours and contact information, see the pumpkin patch calendar on Page 17.
Festivalgoers also can donate used cell phones to the Cell Phones For Soldiers drive, set up at the corner of First Street and Avenue A. The phones will be sent to servicemen and women stationed abroad to use for calling home. At that same intersection, guests ready for some pre-Halloween haunting may meet to embark on a Family Spirit Walk at 1, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. for tours of several supposedly haunted historic downtown buildings. The Spirit Walk costs $10 for adults, $5 for children, to be paid in advance, with proceeds going to Snohomish’s Thumbnail Theater. Details are at 425-350-5448.
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