Town gears up for annual Pumpkin Festival
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Hudson - It is time to hit the pumpkin patch and find the perfect pumpkin for the annual "Pumpkin Festival" Saturday Oct. 20, at the Hudson High School Morgan Bowl. The event, which draws thousands of attendees from the surrounding communities, begins at 3:30 p.m. and concludes around 8:30 p.m. with the annual firework display.

The festival, organized by the town's Parks and Recreation Department, provides an opportunity for town residents to gather together in the fall.

"The main focus is to get the community out before the white stuff starts flying," according to Steven Santos, assistant director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Santos explained that the event was originally established as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for local nonprofit organizations. The vendors and activities are provided by organizations like the Historical Society, Hudson Youth 4H Club and the Garden Club. Each activity, like face painting and pony rides, will charge a nominal fee that will go toward the nonprofit sponsoring the activity. And the activities will include something for everyone.

"This event is something that the whole family can be involved with," Santos said.

There will be programs to keep the children amused: a Moon Bounce, trackless train rides, spin art, sand art, and live music and entertainment. The children's music and entertainment will be provided by returning crowd favorites Jeannie Mack and Rick Goldin.

The Pumpkin Festival will also feature a booth staffed by Historical Society members, who will put their culinary skills to the test selling some New England favorites like turkey sandwiches, clam chowder and fried dough.

The highlight of the evening, though, will be the display of hundreds of carved jack-o-lanterns. Santos said that in years past the pumpkins were carved on-site, with well over a thousand pumpkins on display. This year, his department opted to focus on organizing other activities and in lieu of the carving, they are hosting a contest to see who can submit the most carved pumpkins. First prize is $250.

Santos, who expects to be carving quite a few pumpkins himself over the next week, said that anyone who is interested can submit pumpkins. He encouraged local to organizations, churches, neighborhoods and businesses to get creative and to submit as many carved entries as they are able to.

"The town was setting out to rival the Keene Pumpkin Festival and have the most number of pumpkins on display."

Pre-registration is not necessary. Pumpkins can be dropped of between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. the day of the event.

The pumpkins will be lit after dark and remain on display throughout the event, which will conclude with a fireworks display, provided this year by Atlas Pyrotechnics.

The event is funded each year from the Parks and Recreation Department budget funds and through the support of local and private sponsors like Citizens Bank, Hudson Appliance, Hudson Savings Bank, and the Hudson Police and Fire departments.

Santos said he expects a good turn-out. The admission fee is $3 for adults and $1 for seniors and children under 18. Seniors and children who bring a nonperishable item for the Food Pantry can enter the event free of charge.

For more information about the event or submitting pumpkins, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 978-568- 9642.