Plans Finalized for First Ever Pumpkin Palooza in Washington

Plans are being finalized for the first ever Washington Pumpkin Palooza in the historic downtown.

Entry forms also are available for the many contests planned.

Pumpkin Palooza will take place Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will replace the Halloween Family Fun Night typically held the Friday night before Halloween.

Downtown Washington Inc. and the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host the event, which features a variety of events, including a Pumpkin Pie Baking Contest, Anything But Pumpkin Pie Contest, Scarecrow-Decorating Contest, Zombie Hunt, Pumpkin Seed Spitting Contest, Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Decorating, Costume Contests and a state-sanctioned Pumpkin Weigh-Off.

Entry forms are available at the Chamber office or the downtown post office. People also will be able to register for most contests the day of the event.

Downtown’s traditional Candy-Crawl will be incorporated into the Oct. 27 event. Children can trick-or-trick at the various stores from noon to 4 p.m.

Obermark Optometry will collect old eyeglasses from 9 a.m. to noon that day as well.

Other event attractions will include a hayride, photo booth, face painting and carnival games. Hot dogs, kettle corn and drinks will be available for purchase.

Pumpkin Palooza activities will be held on Main Street between Elm and Cedar. The Farmers’ Market vendor booths will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well.