Wanna See A Giant Pumpkin?

It’s fall! The leaves are falling, pumpkin spice is filling the air, and we’re grabbing our hot drinks and light jackets. But there’s another, more obvious sign that fall is here: pumpkin festivals. And the biggest (no pun intended) one is coming to River Prairie this weekend: the 2023 River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival. Let’s take a look at what this event entails.

The River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival lives up to its name. Last year, a pumpkin that weighed over 2000 pounds won the grand prize. Growers spend months producing these giant pumpkins, and they have to be moved with heavy duty vehicles and stored on pallets. It’s a sight to behold, and not one you should miss.

But that’s not all this fun event has in store. There are Great Pumpkin Races, where people of all ages can participate. There is a 5K, and ¼ mile run, and a 75 yard dash. It’s crisp outside, which makes it perfect for running or walking. Plus, your little ones can participate as well!

If you’re into the desserts of fall, look no further than the Pumpkin Dessert Contest. Bake up a cheesecake, your special bars, or another pumpkin-flavored dessert to enter into the contest and take a shot at winning! These will be judged and then served to the giant pumpkin growers. 

There’s an artist market at this event as well. They’ll have fall-themed items lined along the Front Porch Place. Expect jewelry, ceramics, and prints to give to the people in your life, keep for decoration, or save for the holidays!

There’s two costume contests at the Ginormous Pumpkin Festival, one for humans and one for furry friends. Anyone can enter the human contest as long as you’re dressed in a pumpkin-themed costume. Expect to see many dog-shaped pumpkins (or pumpkin-shaped dogs?) for the four-legged section of this costume contest.

A new installment in this year’s festival is brought to you by Mathnasium and Mcilquham Orchard and Strawberries, where you can launch apples into a floating target in River Prairie Pond. 

There’s plenty more in store at this Festival, including kid’s pumpkin decorating, a rubber ducky race, and – get this – a ginormous pumpkin drop at 3pm, filled with candy! 

The Ginormous Pumpkin Festival takes place in River Prairie Park in Altoona, and the festivities run from 9am – 3:30pm on Saturday, September 23rd. See you there!