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PUTNAM — There are big pumpkins, and then there are GREAT BIG pumpkins. That’s exactly what’s coming to Putnam for the annual Great Pumpkin Festival, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 in downtown Putnam.
The Great Pumpkin Festival will showcase a number of big pumpkins, all grown by local residents of northeast Connecticut.
But the real show stopper this year will be a 1,766.5-pound pumpkin grown by Rocky Hill resident, Matt Debacco. Matt’s pumpkin holds the new 2013 Connecticut State Record. Fellow grower Gene Lariviere, said, “This pumpkin is amazing. It’s as big as a car and I’m thrilled that Matt is coming to Putnam.” Although not as big, the honor of the Official Great Pumpkin still goes to Putnam resident Gene Lariviere, who has been growing the Official Great Pumpkin for the festival since the beginning. Festival Chairperson, Karen Osbrey said, “Gene is the first phone call I make when planning begins.”
Events for the Great Pumpkin Festival are planned for Union Square, Main Street and Riverfront Commons. The Blackstone Valley Excursion train brings over 300 guests to Union Square at 11am. They will be welcomed with live music by “Just Two” and a huge arts and crafts show. Main Street from Front Street to Lee Street will be blocked to traffic to make room for even more arts and crafts. You’ll find the Official Great Pumpkin, grown by Putnam resident, Gene Lariviere, at the Putnam Congregational Church. The church will also hold their annual Harvest Fair and luncheon and “Relative Sound” will play from 12 to 3 on the church lawn.
There will be scarecrow displays throughout the downtown area, plus many children’s activities, including Clarity the Clown and a free Bouncy House at the Putnam Public Library, pumpkin decorating at The Citizen’s National Bank, the ARC Puppet Show in Union Square, face painting, crafts, a pumpkin carving contest and more. A 90-minute excursion train departs from Union Station at 11:30.
Advance tickets are just $25 each and are available at WINY Radio and Victoria Station Café.
Tickets will be sold the day of if available. Putnam’s many restaurants will feature special pumpkin menus and drink specials.
But your first stop should be the Information Booth located at Putnam Bank for a complete list of activities.
The Great Pumpkin Festival is produced by the Putnam Business Association and the Putnam Recreation Department.
For more information go to putnambusiness.org