By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

Although it takes place Sept. 27, the planning is well underway for the 15th Annual Pumpkin Fest.

‘We are excited about all the community support we have received so far,’ said Katie Caruso, of the Pumpkin Fest Committee. ‘This event continues to grow because of the continued support of our sponsors and community.’

The lead sponsors are Philo & Sara Blaisdell Foundation, Zippo Manufacturing Co. and Northwest Savings Bank. Sponsorship letters for this year’s event will go out later this summer.

Planning for this year’s celebration began in February. Currently there are seven people on the planning committee, with more people expected to join in as the event continues to take shape throughout the summer. The festival is designed to provide a fun-filled day for attendees of all ages, celebrating the community spirit of Bradford.

‘I think people look forward to it because it is something affordable that you can bring your whole family to,’ said Caruso. ‘We also have the scarecrow competition and families like coming out to see the scarecrows that their children have helped create.’

Once again Zonta Club of Bradford will reach out to schools, youth groups Pumpkin… page A-8

While the big day remains months away, planning for the 15th Annual Pumpkin Fest is well underway. Wagon rides, sponsored by McCracken Oil & Gas, will return for 2025.

File photo and other programs that work with children; encouraging them to participate in the contest. Scarecrows will decorate the streets of Bradford beginning the week before Pumpkin Fest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three scarecrows.

Downtown businesses will join in the fun by placing scarecrows in front of their stores.

“Like Pumpkin Fest, the Scarecrow Contest continues to grow each year,” said Caruso. “As that competition gets larger it encourages more people to come out to see what their kids have made.”

Little ones will be excited by Kid Zone returning again. The zone is free to enjoy and hosted by University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students. Another free attraction will be the wagon rides, once again sponsored by McCracken Oil and Gas.

Vendors are encouraged to turn in their applications early this year, because spaces fill up quickly. Vendor forms will be available on the Pumpkin Fest Facebook profile beginning in April. The prices of the booths will remain the same as last year.

“We have many vendors who have sold out every year they have attended and they are looking forward to coming back again,” said Caruso.

In addition to the activities mentioned, people can expect live music performances, craft and food vendors, various games and contests. While specific details for this year’s event are still being finalized, attendees can anticipate an array of entertainment.

“Every year we try to up the game so there are going to be some new attractions and rides for people to look forward to,” said Caruso. “We are very excited about the surprises we have in store.”

Speaking of stores, many local businesses will host sidewalk sales throughout the festival.

“This is a great time to get out and support those small, local businesses,” said Caruso.

As the date approaches, more detailed schedules and additional activities will be announced. For the most up-to-date information, follow the Pumpkin Fest Facebook page.