WAYNESBORO—The Institute’s third annual Pumpkins and Pippins fall festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area, Waynesboro. Rain location is the Waynesboro Area Middle School.
A fundraiser for The Institute, the festival includes a full slate of activities and fun for all ages, including a ‘kid zone’ with yard games, a StoryWalk® hike & activity, a photo stand and more.
Pony rides for kids from Serendipity Horse Meadows Farm provide a fun, memorable experience during the festival. New this year, kids and adults can visit alpacas from Sugar Hollow Farm Alpacas.
The GRID (Grease, Rust, Iron & Dirt) Tractor Club from Quincy will bring antique tractors, and craft vendors offer a variety of wares.
“We also have a pie walk, a pumpkin patch, and a decorated pumpkin contest,” said Jessica Watson, the Institute’s assistant director and event organizer. “We invite everyone to support The Institute by bringing your family to a fall celebration of Pumpkins & Pippins.”
A star attraction is the ever-popular trebuchet pumpkin launcher, which will run throughout the day sending pumpkins flying through the sky. Trebuchets are giant catapult devices that originated in medieval times.
“The Institute’s trebuchet was built by volunteers who researched the devices thoroughly to create an authentic working model,” Watson said. “Our trebuchet hurls pumpkins, and it’s great fun to watch how far they fly.”
For the decorated pumpkin contest, pumpkins may be painted or carved—or both. Contest entry is free. Votes from those in attendance determine the winner, who receives a $100 prize.
Live music is a festival mainstay. The bluegrass band, Marv Ashby and High Octane, will be the featured entertainment. Based in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., the band is known for dynamic traditional and contemporary bluegrass.
Those attending can buy lunch from Maddie Anne Perogies or J&M BBQ food trucks. A bake sale offers a variety of homemade goodies for dessert.
Pumpkins, apples and cider will be available for purchase.
Vendors to date include Cosmic Rhythm, Four Sons Farm, Christine Lehman Art, Little Bear Apiary, GS Gray WoodWorking, Party of 8 Creations, Burn One Down, Rose & Ivy, and Silver Birch Co.
Admission is $15 per car, cash only.
