For 20 years the streets of Franklin, North Carolina have been transformed into a premier fall festival every October. This year’s event is kicking off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 22. Franklin’s PumpkinFest has grown each year with fun for the entire family and for its 20th year celebration, the day-long event will surely be the best one yet. With hours of activities planned throughout the day, to make your decision to attend this year’s 20th annual PumpkinFest a little easier, here are the top 5 reasons why Franklin’s PumpkinFest is a must-do this Fall.
5) Win prizes or cold hard cash in any of the contests scheduled throughout the day!
PumpkinFest has become known for its annual Pumpkin Pie eating contest that pairs eager contestants against each other as they race against the clock to devour the deliciousness of a Pumpkin Pie. Whoever gets through more whip cream and Pumpkin spice will walk away with a cash prize.
The best dressed of the day won’t go unnoticed either with the annual costume contest. Separated by ages, judges will take notes as both kids and adults parade on stage with their best Halloween costumes. A winner for each age category will be crowned.
New to this year’s Pumpkinfest, a Lip Sync Battle will be taking place on the town square stage. Contestants are encouraged to come prepared with their best Halloween hit ready to lip sing right into the judges’ hearts.
4) Fire breathers, jugglers, dragons and more!
PumpkinFest is is jam packed full of entertainment throughout the day and this year there will be more street performers than ever. Last year’s’ hit fire breathing dragon will be stomping up and down the street again this year. Additional street performers will also be on main street this year, with jugglers and fire breathers that will be performing all day beginning at 9 am.
3) Bounce houses, pony rides, and kids activities on every end of the street
On both end of main street, Franklin’s PumpkinFest will have dozens of activities specifically for kids to celebrate Fall. From bounce houses to carnival games, to pony rides, to a costume parade up Main Street, PumpkinFest is all about the kids. All of the activities are free for families and will be going all day long.
2) Shop Main street merchants, eat local treats, and visit any of the 90 vendors scheduled to set up.
One of the best traits of Franklin is its diverse shopping opportunities. Main Street has everything from an Outdoor outfitter, to speciality boutiques, to a home goods store and jewelry. The shops that line both sides of the streets are the backbone of Franklin and make events like PumpkinFest possible. Main street restaurants or either of the town’s two breweries have the perfect treats and drinks to make the day a little sweeter. And speaking of sweet, from 3-4 p.m. during PumpkinFest, main street merchants will be giving out candy to all the trick or treaters that stop by the stores. In addition to the main street merchants who are opened everyday in Franklin, PumpkinFest maxed out the vendor list this year and will feature 90 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to fall decor, to local jewelry and just about everything in between.
1) The World Famous Pumpkin Roll.
It wouldn’t be PumpkinFest without the World Famous Pumpkin Roll. From the top of Frogtown just off of main street, try your hand at rolling your pumpkin the furthers to be named the 2016 Pumpkin roll winner. Pumpkin rollers travel from surrounding states to try to conquer Frogtown and with last year’s event surpassing 700 pumpkins being rolled, this year the town will have even more pumpkins on hand for the contest.
