35th Pumpkinfest begins Thursday

BESSEMER — Organizers are excited about the 35th annual Bessemer Chamber of Commerce’s Pumpkinfest, set to run Thursday through Sunday.

What started off as a bet between two locals over growing the largest pumpkin has grown into a large community event with much to offer, according event co-chair Donna Frello.

Frello said the fall festival “is sure to have something entertaining for everyone. What a great way to enjoy the Northland and kick off the start of our beautiful season of colors.”

Frello and co-chair Annette Lillie are thankful for the volunteers who “so selflessly make this event happen.”

“We have some great new events scheduled this year that are sure to enhance the festival,” said Lillie.

A carnival will run from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. Saturday will also include face painting, balloon animals, a sidewalk chalk competition, a petting zoo, pony rides and a rummage sale at Sharon Lutheran Church.

The Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Business after 5 to kick off the festivities at the Pit Stop on Thursday evening, as ticket sales for the the annual 50/50 raffle begin. Pumpkin Hunt geocaching also begins Thursday. Maps are available at bessemerpumpkinfest.com.

The will be a town movie Friday evening with the showing of “Hocus Pocus” at the Bessemer City Hall auditorium.

Saturday will be full of events.

The Kiddie Parade starts off Sophie Street festivities with line up outside the fire house at 10 a.m. As always, there will be a craft fair at the A.D. Johnston High School gym with food offered by the students in the concession. Sophie Street will be filled with vendor booths as well, including the Chamber booth selling annual Pumpkinfest shirts and pins. Look for Pumpkinfest specials and sidewalk sales from area businesses, too.

The annual pie social will be in the city auditorium at 11 a.m. The Washington Elementary School choir and Gogebic Range Band will perform. Pumpkin Bingo will be held in the Downtown Development Authority meeting room in city hall at 12:30 p.m.

The Great Pumpkin will host two stage shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., members of the Bethany Ann Hellen Dance Studio will perform, and pumpkin pie eating, seed spitting, and pumpkin bowling contests will also take place through the afternoon.

There will also be scarecrow and totem pole decorating contests, and a pumpkin competition held at Pumpkin Square, as well as a horseshoe tournament at the VFW Post 3673.

Look for the Klassic Krusier car show and a Superior Tired Iron Tractor Club show, with a tractor pull at noon downtown.

There will be street dance with music by “Bomb Squad” from 3-7 p.m. on Sophie Street and a country hoedown at JJs Bar in Yale with music by DJ Scotty Alkins. There will also be a teen dance from 7-10 p.m. at the city auditorium.

“The Bessemer Chamber is proud to host this festival,” said Frello. “Please save the weekend and enjoy the start of fall with friends, family and fun. Again, thank you volunteers. This festival would not be possible without the many people who donate their time each year.”

Visit bessemerpumpkin

fest.com for more information.