Pull out your best orange sweater and prepare to celebrate all things pumpkin-related at the annual PumpkinFest taking place in the small town of Franklin (population: approximately 3,800) in a few short weeks. For one day only, the tiny town transforms into a pumpkin wonderland each fall with a festival that’s like a gateway to Halloween and Thanksgiving, all in one.
For starters, the streets in historic downtown Franklin, a beloved spot among tourists, will be closed to traffic and instead, will be filled with pumpkins, spice, and (you guessed it) everything nice.
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From food vendors selling a variety of pumpkin-infused tasty treats (think pumpkin spiced drinks and pumpkin rolls) to…
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Another kind of pumpkin roll where the winner gets bragging rights for the coming year (and a bill with Thomas Jefferson on the front)! This fun, family event is a can’t miss for ringing in the holiday season in full-on charm.
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There’s a pumpkin pie eating contest, so bring an appetite — and a clean shirt — and good luck devouring a whole pie without stopping to savor all of that pumpkin goodness between bites.
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Have a costume that rocks? Bring it on, but expect some tough competition from everyone else. Even the youngest attendees enter with victory in mind.
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Cheer and giggle as a host of street performers entertain all day long.
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It’s sure to be a day for making memories everyone will enjoy for ages.
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Be sure to take a few FREE rides on the new Pumpkin Express train, making its debut at the 2019 festival.
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Speaking of rides, don’t let the day come to a close without a photo of the 1966 Batmobile replica that will make its way to Franklin just for the festival.
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If you prefer your superheros to be from the future, then check out the Star Wars Landspeeder and enjoy meeting some costumed characters from the movies.
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Franklin comes alive each year for this annual event that’s been held, rain or shine, for the past 23 years. Have you ever attended? We’d love to know!
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PumpkinFest transforms Franklin, North Carolina into a pumpkin wonderland each year on the third Saturday in October. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19, 2019. For more information and a complete schedule of events, see the official website. You can also follow the Facebook page here!
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Photo credit: StephanieFrey / Getty Images
For more ways to have the best autumn season ever, check out this fall foliage road trip through North Carolina!
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