Return of The Great Pumpkin
By Kelly James
You know fall has arrived when the leaves begin to change colors and the cool, crisp autumn air is blowing throughout Portland. Pumpkins, winter squash, apples, apple cider, pears, and other seasonal crops have also begun to take over the tomatoes, berries, corn and green beans of summer.
Another sign of fall is the return of the Great Pumpkin harvest festival! To celebrate this wonderful season, Portland Farmers Market will host the 16th annual, family-friendly Great Pumpkin event at Saturday’s PSU Market and, for the first time, at Sunday’s King Market.
This year’s events include:
Pumpkin Carving Contest
As in past years, the highlight of the Great Pumpkin for many is the pumpkin carving contest for adults and children. At PSU, from 9:00am-12:00pm (or while supplies last), get your carve on and make the most spooky, traditional, fun, or decorative jack-o-lantern you can imagine! There are prizes for the best adult and child carvings, which will be announced at 12:30pm at the music stage. At King, shoppers can carve pumpkins from 10:00am until they run out!
Children’s Costume Parade
At the PSU market, a children’s costume parade kicks off at 12:00pm around the north block from the Information Booth and there will be market goody bags for all participants. While there won’t be a parade at the King market, any child who comes in costume will receive a goody bag!
*We also encourage adults to come in their costumes to share in the festivities.
NEW! Dave’s Killer Bread Toast Bar (PSU Market Event Only)
New this year is a Toast Bar hosted by our season sponsor, Dave’s Killer Bread. There will be a “toast bar” set up with free samples of toasted Dave’s Killer Bread topped with market ingredients like jam, honey, soft cheeses, etc.
NEW! Market Photo Booth, Face Painting & Games (King Market Event Only)
A photo booth will be provided by Joe Forbish Photography to capture your awesome costumes, carved pumpkins, and big smiles. There will be face painting for kids and pumpkin bowling (use your imagination) for all.
The Great Pumpkin is family-friendly and anyone is welcome. Come and enjoy the fall festivities and go home with your own carved pumpkin — you could even win the prize!
If you need a little inspiration for pumpkin carving ideas, check out these sites:
While there’s no contest for “Best Toast”, check out these sites for some delicious toast toppings ideas to make at home with your favorite loaf of Dave’s Killer Bread:
Hope to see you there!
Kelly James loves all things local. Kelly has interned at a small CSA farm in Newberg, Oregon and has done research on the young adult perspective of local food. It was only fitting that upon moving to Portland, Kelly teamed up to volunteer with Portland Farmers Market. When Kelly is not learning about local food, she develops social media content, bakes cookies for her friends, and reads books on marketing. Learn more about Kelly here.
