Crowds gather as PumpkinFest kicks off its 29th year
Rebecca Evans
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — PumpkinFest officially opens Friday, bringing crowds to the Pony Express Museum and Patee Park for the festival’s 29th year.
The free, three-day event features live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities.
Crews and volunteers spent the week preparing the grounds, and organizers said they are ready to welcome hundreds of visitors throughout the weekend.
Two visitors pose with a lemonade from one of the many vendors at PumpkinFest 2024.
One of the biggest highlights comes Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., when Pumpkin Mountain lights up for the season.
A previous Pumpkin Mountain is lit up with rows of pumpkins stacked high.
Saturday morning will feature the annual costume parade, sponsored by St. Joseph Hy-Vee, where anyone in costume can participate. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the parade starts at 11 a.m.
“It’s a three-day party, so everybody’s nice, everybody gets full, everybody has fun and as long as the weather’s like this, it’s awesome,” said Kolby Peters owner of Kolb-Dons food truck. “Even when the weather’s not great, it’s always a good time.”
Entertainment will run throughout the weekend, with acts on the main stage including the Knobtown Skiffle Band, the Phil Vandel Band, BJ’s magic act and Will Stuck storytelling. Gazebo performances will feature local musicians, dancers and community groups.
Whensday Band performing on the main stage at PumpkinFest 2024.
For children, the festival offers free pumpkins at the Children’s Tent. There will also be a petting zoo, shopping at the Pumpkin Shop and panning for gold.
A child decorates a free pumpkin.
Vendors and food trucks will line Ninth Street near Patee Park, offering a variety of food and treats.
PumpkinFest will run through Sunday, Oct. 5. A full schedule of events is available on the Pony Express Museum’s website.