One of the top pumpkin festivals in America returns to Salem County Oct 9-12

The 12th annual South Jersey Pumpkin Show rolls into the Salem County Fairgrounds this weekend.
 
When: Oct 9-11, 2015
Where: 735 Harding Hwy., Woodstown, NJ.
 
Named one of the nation’s best pumpkin festivals by Fodor’s Travel, the family and pet friendly autumn fair offers plenty of old fashioned fun.
 
One of the festival highlights is the reading of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, complete with a dramatic appearance by the Headless Horseman himself.  The legendary character arrives on both Friday and Saturday evening.
 
All weekend long there will be 100 arts and craft exhibitors, scarecrows, hayrides, pony rides, amusement rides and games, kids crafts, plus more than 600 pumpkins on display in a huge pyramid.  
 
The food court vendors and food trucks will serve up festival food favorites, barbecue and pumpkin ice cream.  Attendees can also sample wines from state vineyards and enjoy live music from Southern Cut, Diablo Sandwich, Acoustic Acrobat and Hofenakus.
 
The festivities kick off Friday evening with a Halloween costume contest for kids and family groups.  Participants will parade and trick or treat on the fairgrounds (free treats provided by vendors).  Bonus: hayrides are free to all those in costume.
 
Saturday features a decorated stroller and wagon contest for li’l pumpkins as well as a pumpkin toss for adults.
 
It’s also the day to sample the delicious entries in the pumpkin food competition with awards given for best dessert, soup, casserole and appetizer. Free samples will be available at 4 p.m. after judges make their decision.
 
On Sunday, Halloween comes early for canine festivalgoers with a costumed dog parade.  Entry fee is a can of pet food that will go to a local animal shelter.
 
Later, catch the giant pumpkin weigh-off at 1 p.m.  Last year’s winner tipped the scales at 1,125 pounds!  Now, that’s a lot of pie…
 
The festival’s Little Miss and Mister Pageant will also be crowned on Sunday.
 
The event is rain or shine.  Admission is free, but parking is $5 per car.
 
Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – 735 Harding Hwy., Woodstown, NJ.
 
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This post is part of our South Jersey Events Listing