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Festival of Pumpkins offers family fun
Staff Report
Published October 23, 2009
The Festival of Pumpkins comes to downtown Paris Saturday. All the fun gets under way at 9 a.m. on the streets surrounding the Plaza.
The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce teamed up this year with the staff from the City of Paris including Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, Utilities, Street Repair and Maintenance and the City Hall Annex in addition to Main Street board members, to create another unforgettable event.
A new event at the festival is the Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Baking Contest. Local chefs present their creations to the judges at the downtown chamber office by 6 p.m. tonight, and the winners in four categories will be announced during the festivities Saturday.
After more than nine years, the Festival of Pumpkins has become a true Paris event with more than 60 booths filled with local and out-of-town crafts, clothing and non-profit organizations. On top of that there are many food and game vendors.
Activities for the children have always been a big part of Festival of Pumpkins, and this year is no different. From the bean bag toss and fishing in the fountain to the always-favorite “Pic A Pumpkin” and pumpkin bowling, area youth will have a grand time all day long.
There are also pony rides and a petting zoo, along with a Halloween costume contest and pumpkin decorating contest to keep youngsters busy.
Other activities include bungee jump, an obstacle course, slide and a bounce house.
Entertainment is scheduled throughout the day on the main stage, located on the southwest corner of the Plaza. A ballet performed by local youngsters sets the stage for a wide variety groups. Live music keeps the action going, with performances by Encore!, Shannon Jones, Cross Town Connection, Blackwater Woods, Ingrid Chavez and Wendy, Cold & Rain. Victory Baptist Church will also present a drama.
There is also the annual Pet Pageant in addition to the Canines for a Cure One Mile Pet Walk.
Haunted Theater Tours offer some thrills at Paris Community Theater.
On Saturday afternoon, the Great Pumpkin Rally rolls into town. Approximately 20 cars will leave Rockwall Saturday morning and are expected to cross the finish line in Paris between 1 and 2 p.m. Plaques will be awarded to the winners of the race at the festival.
Whew! What could be more fun? The Festival of Pumpkins is a wholesome day created for the entire family. Plan to drop in and spend some quality time in downtown Paris this Saturday. It’s a great event, put on by local organizers, volunteers and sponsors.
As a reminder, city workers will close the streets in the downtown area at 5 p.m. tonight in preparation for the Festival of Pumpkins.
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