Janice Eakin
Gadsden County News Service
Get ready to celebrate autumn in style as PumpkinFest, Havana’s premier family festival, returns for its 25th year on Saturday, Oct.11, 2025. The beloved event, which drew more than 7,000 attendees last year, is set to transform the downtown streets into a festive autumn wonderland.
This year’s festival is a silver jubilee celebration, promising a day packed with activities for all ages. Attendees can look forward to a full day of fun, with over 100 vendors and more than 20 food and beverage vendors offering a wide variety of treats and handcrafted goods. The downtown merchants, coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants will also be open, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
A Day of Contests and Fun
The schedule is brimming with classic PumpkinFest traditions and new memories to be made. Starting at 11 a.m., the popular Pie Eating Contest will challenge both children and adults to a messy but delicious showdown. At noon, participants can show off their creative costumes in the Costume Contest for children and adults. Organizers note that pets will not be included in this year’s contest. The day will culminate with the Scarecrow Contest Awards at 3:30 p.m., honoring the most imaginative and well-crafted entries.
Children will have a dedicated space for activities, including a Petting Zoo and Pumpkin Painting. The Havana Merchant’s Association is sponsoring a special free entry for children 12 and under to celebrate the 25th anniversary, which also covers most children’s activities, with the exception of face painting.
Vendor and Contestant Information
Prospective vendors still have a chance to participate. A few spaces remain, and interested parties must apply by Sept. 30.
For those with a knack for scarecrow design, there’s still time to enter the annual competition. Contestants should sign up online as soon as possible to be considered for the awards. All registration and sign-up forms can be found on the Havana Main Street website at www.HavanaMainStreet.com.
Getting There
An entry fee of $5 will be collected for individuals aged 13 and above. Parking will be available in several locations to accommodate the large crowd, including free parking at local church parking lots and the Havana Community Park (accessible from 6th Ave E). For any questions regarding the event, the public can reach out to Festivals.HavanaMainStreet@gmail.com.
PumpkinFest’s 25th anniversary is shaping up to be a landmark event for the community. Don’t miss out on the festivities!
