Pumpkinfest, returns on Friday night, Oct. 27, at the Salem Farmers Market. This year’s event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and it will once again feature a costume contest and pumpkin give-away. Plus, all attendees can walk through our “Chefs vs. Surgeons” Jack O’ Lantern patch, vote for their favorite carved pumpkin and later bid on it in the pumpkin auction. In addition, children can buy tickets for carnival games and inflatables, stroll through the trick-or-treat zone, get their face painted and enjoy sand art and a bake sale. This is 23rd year that Salem has joined forces with Q99 to present this event in Downtown Salem. Pumpkinfest admission for adults is just $5 a person, but children 15-and-under will be admitted free. Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Kettle Cooker Express and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream will be selling their amazing creations throughout the evening. Once again, Five-Dollar Shake will provide musical entertainment. All proceeds from the event will benefit Area 8 Special Olympics. Q99, Kroger and Salem Parks and Recreation are sponsoring this year’s event and Q99’s Dick and Dave once again will host the fall celebration. The Salem Farmers Market is located on the corner of Main and Broad Street in the heart of Downtown Salem. Salem is hosting several other exciting events for those in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region during this week.
Youngsters will have a chance to Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. Children can travel up and down Main Street from Academy St. to College Ave. Businesses that have a pumpkin sticker on their storefront window are participating. In addition, the Salem Sheriff’s Office’s Fall Open House is happening from 10 a.m. to noon at 2 E. Calhoun Street.
On the actual Halloween night, the Salem Civic Center is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event in partnership with the Paw Patrol Show. This will take place in the front parking lot at 1001 Roanoke Boulevard on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Traditional neighborhood Trick-or-Treating will take place citywide in Salem on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
-The Salem Times-Register
