Keene's Pumpkin Festival Glows Brighter Than Years Past

Autumn in Keene wouldn't be complete without its most beloved tradition: the Keene Pumpkin Festival. On Saturday, Oct. 18, downtown Keene will once again come alive with the warm glow of jack-o'-lanterns, the buzz of families and friends and the unmistakable spirit of fall. This year's festival promises all the charm and excitement locals and visitors have come to expect — and a few new surprises, too. The festivities officially begin at 2 p.m., kicking off with a lively costume parade. Watch as witches, superheroes and other costumed characters march from the corner of West and Main Streets through downtown Keene, setting the tone for an afternoon packed with fun. But let's be honest, it wouldn't be a pumpkin festival without the pumpkins! Expect the streets to be lined with hundreds of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns — spooky, silly, clever and downright spectacular. Each pumpkin is lovingly crafted by local students and community sponsors, proudly displayed for everyone to admire. The iconic pumpkin towers are a showstopper and are even more impressive when seen in person. This year, the festival brings an array of interactive and family-friendly activities to engage visitors of all ages. Be sure to stop by the C&S Wholesale Grocers Carving Area, hosted by Elm City Rotary, where festivalgoers can carve their own pumpkins free of charge — with around 1,000 pumpkins available to turn into glowing works of art. For those feeling brave, step into the UCC Haunted Alley, where spooky surprises and eerie chills await. It's a thrilling experience that adds just the right touch of Halloween to the day. From 3 to 5 p.m., little ghouls and goblins can enjoy Downtown Trick-or-Treating, collecting goodies from participating local shops and businesses. It's a safe and festive way for children to dress up and enjoy the holiday spirit. And if you're up for some unconventional fun, don't miss Pumpkin Bowling with Stonewall Farm from 4 to 6 p.m. It's exactly what it sounds like — rolling pumpkins to knock down pins. It's guaranteed to bring out the laughs. "We have a couple of cool things this year; we've expanded some partnerships," said Mike Giacomo, president of Let It Shine, the non-profit organization behind the festival. One particularly exciting new addition is a collaboration with Kringle Candle to create a Pumpkin Festival candle collection, featuring six custom scents. "We worked with the chemists and picked out some good scents. We are really excited about it," Giacomo added. These limited-edition candles will be available at select local stores and at the festival's main booth — a perfect keepsake to bring the cozy vibes of Pumpkin Fest home with you. While new features add fresh excitement, organizers are staying true to the heart of the event. "We had a really successful event last year and are trying to duplicate that success," explained Giacomo. This year's event will also feature more non-profit booths and craft vendors, giving visitors even more to see, taste and take home. Whether you're shopping for local goods, enjoying seasonal eats or supporting local causes, there's something for everyone. Two live performance stages will showcase a full lineup of local talent throughout the afternoon and evening: Central Square Bandstand 2:30 p.m. — Splatter 4:00 p.m. — Modern Fools 5:30 p.m. — Isness Ensemble Railroad Square Stage 2:15 p.m. — MoCo Arts 3:15 p.m. — Chock Full of Notes 3:30 p.m. — NHDI 4:00 p.m. — A Company of Witches 4:30 p.m. — KSC Dance Team For even more entertainment, The Colonial Theater will be showing cartoons in The Showroom from 2 to 5 p.m., and will cap off the evening with the April Cushman Show, co-presented by Keene Young Professionals, starting at 7 p.m. — right after the festival winds down. And don't forget to catch Kilter Colin, performing his high-energy, family-friendly act outside The Colonial at 2:30 p.m. It's sure to draw smiles and amazement from the crowd. To help you make the most of your visit, Let It Shine will share the full schedule and map via their website (www.pumpkinfestival.org) and Facebook page. QR codes will also be posted around downtown for easy access to the event details on your phone. Physical maps will also be available.