In YOUR Neighborhood: PumpkinFest

Oct 12, 2022 at 02:15 pm by RMGadmin


 Beloved Autumn Event Returns to Historic Downtown Franklin

By Heidi hood, Managing Director of
the Downtown Franklin Association
 
The Downtown Franklin Association – a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County – is ready for all things fall! As a nationally accredited Main Street program, the Downtown Franklin Association’s mission is to lead the continued revitalization and purposeful evolution of downtown Franklin – in the context of historic preservation – by maintaining a diverse economic base, promoting a unique local shopping experience, fostering accessible and attractive public spaces, and forging partnerships across all sectors. 
 
On behalf of the DFA merchants and business owners, we hope you make visiting beautiful, historic downtown Franklin an essential part of your autumn celebration plans.  
 
PUMPKINFEST™ 
The inaugural PumpkinFest was hosted in the mid-1980s – featuring The Headless Horseman, Costume Contests, Pumpkin Tossing, Fortune Tellers, and a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Main Street Cinema, which is now known as The Franklin Theatre. What began as a small community festival encouraging folks to visit downtown, has become the biggest fall festival in middle Tennessee!  
 
Now, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 37th Annual PumpkinFest will take place on Saturday, October 29th. With more than 70,000 people in attendance in 2021, the festival stretches along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin, offering festive fun for people of all ages!  
 
This iconic event boasts a full day of autumn-inspired food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests for pets and families, and outstanding arts and crafts – including seasonal and specialty gift items. “PumpkinFest continues to represent our commitment to community and cultural heritage,” says the Heritage Foundation’s Senior Director of Preservation & Education, Rachael Finch. 
 
“SCARECROW CRAWL” AT PUMPKINFEST 
To promote visiting downtown shops during PumpkinFest, DFA is hosting a “Scarecrow Crawl” during the festival! Guests are encouraged to use a printed passport to visit storefront destinations in search of a Scarecrow with a special code! After taking a photo and putting the code on their passport for each location, crawl competitors can claim a movie ticket to The Franklin Theatre at the DFA tent on the Public Square! Passports can be found at the entrances of the festival and the DFA tent on the square. 
 
“EAVES WITH LEAVES” CONTEST 
In October, downtown Franklin fans are encouraged to vote on their favorite fall-decorated storefronts. The following awards will be announced at PumpkinFest:
The “Eaves with Leaves” Award – for the overall favorite fall decorated entry.
“PumpkinFest” Award – for the entry with the most tasteful and extravagant use of pumpkins.
The “Fall Nostalgia” Award – for the entry that evokes the greatest feelings of nostalgia.
The “Hallow-Eaves” Award – for the most unique and thoughtful Halloween-themed display.
 
View the entries and cast your vote at downtownfranklintn.com/fallcontest by October 28th! 
 
PUMPKIN TREE ON THE SQUARE DURING OCTOBER 
This year, DFA is excited to install the famous “Pumpkin Tree,” as previously seen in 2020 on the Public Square, to enhance the fall feelings and provide a unique photo opportunity for guests leading up to PumpkinFest. Look for the Pumpkin Tree on the Public Square in front of City Hall during October and find it in the “Autumn Alley” during the festival! 
 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 29th!