Annual Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival Scheduled for Oct. 7 and 8
Located in Huntburg Township at the intersection of state routes 528 and 322, the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival is celebrating its 48th year.
There is no entrance fee and all contests, entertainment and attractions are free. There is also free parking and a free shuttle service from the parking areas to the festival grounds 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pancake and waffle breakfast starts at 8:30 am.
There will be many vendors and crafters filling the two buildings along with a midway of fabulous food. Join in one of the free contests with ribbons and trophies awarded to the winners.
Attractions include Jungle Terry; antique tractors and The Historical Engine Society; Classic Car Show; Fort Huntsburg Country Band; Cardinal Schools show choir, the Cardinaires; the Cardinal marching band; bagpipe performance by Geauga Highlanders; The Usual Suspects band; country singer Raelynn Debevits; K-9 demonstrations by Geauga County Sheriff’s Department; The University Hospital Pet Pals; and the Walnut Hill Cloggers.
Super parade is at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 8.
Huntsburg Pumpkin Run
Celebrating another year, the Huntsburg Pumpkin Run on Oct. 8 traverses a scenic part of the Buckeye Trail. The run starts at 9 am. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Grandview Golf Club parking lot. Entry fee is $15 and includes a free T-shirt to the first 50 to enter.
Headwaters Park is a 96-acre reservation located in Claridon and Huntsburg townships. The trail winds alongside the water, over a stream, through fields and woods offering a peaceful and scenic run.
Pancake Breakfast
The pancake breakfast is open each day from 8:30-11:30 am. and features all-you-can-eat pancakes and Belgium waffles with sausage, orange juice, real maple syrup from Huntsburg maple syrup producers and a variety of hot beverages.
Cost is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free.
Parade
Floats are wanted for the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival Parade on Oct. 8 at 2:15 p.m. The theme is “A Salute to Educators” people and pets.
For more information, contact Michele at 440-636-3368. Award for best dressed pet in costume is by Schneider Saddlery.
Carved and Decorated Pumpkin Show
Entries should be brought to the Huntsburg Center Pavilion on Oct. 7 from 9:30-10:30 am. All entries must remain until 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8.
Categories are: Adult Carved Pumpkin (ages 13 & up); Adult Decorated Pumpkin (ages 13 & up); Youth Carved Pumpkin (ages 12 and under); Youth Decorated Pumpkin (ages 12 & under); Scarecrows: standing, sitting, straw, wood or newspaper… anything goes. (Head need not be pumpkin); and Totem Poles: five or more pumpkins, squash or gourds.
Baking Contest
Register Oct 7 by 8 a.m. at the town hall. Judging is at 10 a.m.
All entries must contain pumpkin as one of the ingredients. Categories are Under 13 – Anything Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pie.
Bakers 13 and over may enter traditional pumpkin pies, cakes, breads and other items.
Non-traditional pumpkin pies will be entered in the other category.
Tot King & Queen
Tot King & Queen Contest is for children ages 4 to 6. Register at the tent in front of the town hall at 10 a.m. Oct 7. Call Jeannette at 440-636-5354.
Giant Pumpkin Show
Register and weigh in from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Huntsburg Center Pavilion. Call Jerry at 440-636-5145 for information.
Categories are: Largest Pumpkin – Cash Award – judged on natural weight; Natural Field Pumpkin judged on largest size; Largest Zucchini judged on natural weight; Largest Potato judged on natural weight; and Largest Sunflower judged on width of head.
Classic Car Show
Bring your favorite classic auto. No admission fee. Held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8 behind Huntsburg Elementary School.
People’s choice trophy will be awarded each day and a $100 check. A participation plaque will be awarded to the first 25 cars that arrive each day.
Pumpkin Queen Contest
High school contest is for girls in 10th, 11th and 12th grades from Berkshire, Cardinal, Chardon, Grand Valley, Ledgemont, Newbury and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin schools.
Call Diane Hunt at 440-636-5514 by Sept. 20. A cash prize will be awarded to the elected queen.
Junior queen contest is for middle school girls in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from Berkshire, Cardinal, Chardon, Newbury, Grand Valley, Ledgemont, St Helen schools.
A cash prize will be awarded to the elected queen. To register, call Jessica Jackson at 440-636-3172 by Sept. 20.
General information and schedule of events is available at www.destinationgeauga.com and www.huntsburgpumpkinfestival.com.