KEENE, NH — As pumpkins are being harvested all around New England, Pumpkin Festival 2019 organizers (Let it Shine, Inc.) are announcing the basic programming plans for Keene’s rekindled community-centric event, the Pumpkin Festival. It will be held in the heart of downtown Keene on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1-7 p.m.
Thousands of children will design, carve and display their jack-o’-lanterns for the public to enjoy in Central Square. The works of roughly 5,000 individual artists are anticipated this year.
The Pumpkin Festival Children’s Costume Parade will begin at 1 p.m. It will start on West Street, and proceed around Central Square. Children (of all ages!) decked out in Halloween costumes will parade around Central Square.
Pumpkin Bowling is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. in Central Square. Real bowling pins will be used, but instead of bowling balls, bowling will be done with pumpkins —-the hard, “sugar” pumpkins. Try the new sport of pumpkin bowling in the middle of what is usually one of New Hampshire’s busiest streets. Managed by Nancy Hickox, Creative Styles.
Pumpkin Games will be held from 2-5 p.m. including Corn Hole and many other innovative free games, at the Central Square.
New this year, refreshment tables will be hosted by non-profits serving area youth. They will offer pumpkin whoopee pies and other treats.
There will be live entertainment from 1-7 p.m. on the Bandstand in Central Square throughout the festival.
Cartoons at The Colonial Theatre and Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Participating Downtown establishments host traditional trick-or-treat from 2-3:30 p.m.
More information is available online at pumpkinfestival.org