The Battersea Pumpkin Festival is back

Sep 29, 2021

In another sign that local communities are finding ways to come together after 18 months of COVID distancing, the Battersea Pumpkin Festival is a big go for this Saturday.

The Vineline, the festival newsletter/program is calling it “The Pretty Big Day”. This year all of the events are taking place within the confines of the Battersea Ball Park.

Many of the regular festival features will be up and running, with the exception of the popular pumpkin themed games.

A large vendor market is being set up, however, and Bruce Downey will be on hand to carve a giant pumpkin. The King of the Swingers will be at home plate, and the United Church will be selling their famous pies on site.

While the public will not be able to ride the rails this year, the Frontenac Society of Model Engineers will be demonstrating on their track at the park, and Bry the Magic Guy is back.

Wellington Street and Battersea Road will not be an active part of the festival, but they will be open. The house decorating contest is taking place and people can stroll by to have a look.

The pumpkin carving and decorating contests are happening in virtual form. Go to batterseapumpkinfestival.com for details.

“We are really excited about holding the festival this year. It will be different of course, but we are lucky to have the park as a venue that can hold many people, and the vendor fair will be huge this year, about 40 vendors are coming out. We could not be doing this without volunteers, and so many have stepped forward, and our sponsors, including the township, Ormsbee's, the Creek, and Robert Hogan business. It is kind of cool that we have been able to put this together,” said Amanda Pantrey, Festival President.

The entry fee is a mere $5, and attendees will be asked to wear a mask on the festival grounds