Carleton Place is getting ready to turn orange as Pumpkin Fest returns for three days of fall-themed fun, entertainment and family activities.
The annual celebration runs October 2nd to 4th throughout downtown Carleton Place and Carleton Junction, bringing together live music, local vendors, family activities and plenty of Halloween-season atmosphere. Carleton Place Downtown BIA’s Paisley Woods gives us a teaser.
The festivities get underway Friday night at the MEWS with a country-themed evening featuring Man! I Feel Like Shania!, cloggers, line dancing and a Vendor Night Market.
Saturday and Sunday shift the focus to families, with the Family Fun Zone at Carleton Junction offering an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, free face painting and balloon twisting. There will also be pumpkin-themed crafts and Circus Delights Magic Shows. Carleton Place’s Jessica Hansen says event locations themselves are stars in the show.
One of the weekend’s more unusual attractions is the Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, giving visitors a different way to see downtown on Saturday. Speaking of buses, there will be a free shuttle operating on Friday evening and Saturday from the Rona parking lot to eliminate any parking issues.
History buffs can also take part in the free Lake Avenue West Wander Friday evening, a guided walking tour highlighting some of the historic homes and families connected to the neighbourhood.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with the People and Pets Halloween Parade, followed by a free outdoor screening of Toy Story 5.
PumpkinFest has become one of Carleton Place’s major multi-day community celebrations, combining local heritage, agriculture, music, artisans and family entertainment. Organizers say the event is inspired in part by the town’s sister-city relationship with Franklin, Tennessee.
And with the downtown, Carleton Junction and other nearby events all active that weekend, visitors can expect Carleton Place to be especially busy. Hear our complete conversation with Woods and Hansen below.
Find the complete event list at carletonplace.ca/pumpkinfest-weekend
Story by Brian Turner
