Pumpkinfest

From Pumpkinfest Website:

Historic Downtown Franklin hosts one of the communitys favorite street festivals Saturday, Oct. 25, with the 31st annual Pumpkinfest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on five blocks of Main Street.

Presented by Bank of America, Pumpkinfest includes stages at Five Points and the Public Square, costume contests, continous entertainment on two stages, a chili cook-off, arts and crafts and some new fall activities this year.

Pumpkinfest is a great day to enjoy Main Street, said Downtown Franklin Association President Bob Roethemeyer, who owns the shop Avec Moi on Main Street. This year, downtown merchants are adding a scarecrow contest to add to the fun. Youll see the scarecrows up around downtown Franklin in advance of the event and the public will have a chance to vote on their favorites. Fall is really a great time to enjoy Americas favorite Main Street.

Other activities of Pumpkinfest include: More than 75 arts and crafts booths will feature handcrafted fall and holiday items. Booths will be set up and open from the Public Square and East Main Street to First Avenue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Childrens activities will include pumpkin painting, free games with small prizes offered by several local non-profits, inflatables, pony rides and a petting zoo, games and more.

Two stages will offer continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-off will feature 14 teams competing in the 11th annual contest. A $10 ticket includes 12 samples from local teams. The tent is at Third Avenue South, between City Hall and the Courthouse, and theyll be serving from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m. or as long as the chili lasts.

Children, adults and even pets can compete in five categories during the annual costume contest on the Public Square. The categories are: pets; children, ages 0-2; 3-5; 6-11 and 12+. The entry fee is $2, and sign-up is next to the stage in front of City Hall, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a maximum of 50 contestants in each category. Contestants must be entered and present at the stage on the Public Square by 3 p.m. to participate. Competition starts at 3 p.m. and concludes by 4 p.m.

For some spooky fun, tours of downtown Franklins two historic cemeteries on North Margin Street (two blocks from Main Street) will be offered from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday evening. In Grave Matters: Stories Behind the Stones, costumed actors relay fascinating stories of the cemeteries inhabitants. Tickets are $15 for ages 14 and up, and $5 for ages 7 to 13. Tickets may be purchased at www.********.***, at the Heritage Foundation office at 134 Second Avenue North or at the gate the night of the event.