Bessemer Pumpkin Fest draws large crowd

By CORTNEY OFSTAD

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Bessemer - Beautiful weather graced the 36th annual Pumpkin Fest in Bessemer on Saturday, with sunshine, cloudless skies and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s.

"We're loving the weather," event volunteer Donna Frello said. "It's such a pleasure having this weather, and it's double pleasure being at Pumpkin Fest."

Saturday's schedule was packed with pumpkin and non-pumpkin themed events. According to Frello, the goal of the event is to include activities for all ages.

New this year was a street dance in the late afternoon, to complement other musical activities throughout the day, including a teen dance in the evening and live music by Mike Keating and the Gogebic Range Band.

Other events included a craft fair at A.D. Johnston School, filled with vendors selling homemade items, and for those interested in engines, the Klassic Kruisers held it's car show as well as the antique tractor show and pull by the Lake Superior Tired Irons Club.

"That event attracts a big crowd," Frello said.

Pumpkin Festival is also an event not to miss if people love pumpkin. People were given the opportunity to try their best at the pumpkin seed spitting competition, as well as pumpkin bowling and a pumpkin pie eating contest.

And because Halloween is just around the corner, local children will also able to participate in a Halloween-themed kiddie parade. Children dressed up as Disney princesses, pirates, kittens and other sorts of costumes.

"We really try and have something for everyone," Frello said. "We hone in on each age group, and try to find at least two activities."

Despite the packed schedule, people also attend the event for the food.

"There is so much great food," Frello said. "We had everything from Chicago-style hot dogs to Italian beef and much more. It's all so delicious."

For those who had trouble finding Pumpkin Fest, the bright orange helium balloons hovered over Bessemer, marking different locations.

"We just love those balloons," event volunteer Annette Lillie said. "People look for those every year."

According to Lillie, Pumpkin Fest is successful every year because of the volunteers.

"We are so blessed to have volunteers who do so much to make this event successful," Lillie said. "It's a way to showcase our community, and they understand that. It's a fun event that everyone enjoys."

Frello said those who have never attended Pumpkin Fest are missing out.

"It's a family friendly, fun event," she said. "We all have so much fun, and our goal is to keep the cost at a minimum. We have free events for kids with prizes and ribbons, because we want to make this a community event. Pumpkin Fest is so much fun and we hope to see more people attend the event next year."

For more information on Pumpkin Festival, visit bessemerpumpkinfest.com.