There is a consensus in Salem: locals enjoy experiencing annual events. On Saturday, October 27, approximately 1,000 people gathered at the Salem Farmers Market for the 19th Annual Pumpkinfest.
For just $1.99, attendees were able to participate in a pumpkin carving contest, enjoy various food and drinks and show off their costumes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children who wore a costume were admitted for free.
Ashley Durkin is the Salem Parks & Recreation Special Events Supervisor. This is her second year lending a helping hand to the Pumpkinfest organizers.
“I love how this event involves Main Street businesses with the trick-or-treating. Children usually have an opportunity to get candy from downtown merchants from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.,” Durkin said. “Q99 and Kroger along with the Salem Parks & Recreation sponsored this year’s event, which we are very thankful for.”
When Lisa Beal arrived at the Salem Farmers Market with her family at noon, the first thing her three kids asked for was some popcorn. Within 45 minutes, she told them they were not getting any more junk food.
“I told them they could order whatever they wanted, but at a certain point it got a little ridiculous,” said Beal with a smile. “My kids all dressed up as superheroes which garnered a lot of attention. They told me they really enjoyed walking through the Chefs vs. Surgeons Jack O’Lantern patch.”
Since 2013, proceeds from Pumpkinfest have gone to the Special Olympics.
“This event is the largest fundraiser every year for the Roanoke Valley’s Special Olympics program,” event coordinator Colleen Amos said. “Funds raised stay directly in our community and impact area athletes and programs. The dollars support the costs of sending athletes to state competitions, uniform and equipment purchases and any replacement fees associated with facilities used for practices.”
Seven years ago, Justin Morrow attended Pumpkinfest for the first time. He has yet to miss one since. “It’s always neat to see families show off their Halloween spirits and see people in a good mood,” he said. “This has become one of my favorite events. It’s something that I look forward to each year.”
