Republic Pumpkin Daze
Watch pumpkins weigh in at record-breaking sizes at the Republic Pumpkin Daze. This year, for the first time, the fun is being extended to a two-day festival.
September 30 to October 1
Republic, Missouri
Essential activity: pulling the tractor
Essential snack: pumpkin pancakes
Must-Have Entertainment: Pie Eating Contest
Entry is free
You’ve never seen pumpkins like these. With pumpkins weighing over 600 pounds, the Republic Pumpkin Daze Festival holds competitions for the largest pumpkins. You can enter other categories such as watermelons, tomatoes and larger sunflowers.
Even if you don’t participate in the competition, you can see how the products weigh. It’s not just pumpkins that are big. This year’s event is a celebration of Republic City’s 150th birthday and celebration of the 30th Pumpkin Daze festival. Usually held on Main Street, this year it takes place at JR Martin Park, allowing more space for entertainment and up to 350 vendor booths.
There is something for everyone at this festival, including more hands-on activities. Bring lawn chairs to sit and listen to performances by Geezer, Mark Chapman Band and Isaac Kenneth. Grab your friends and family to enjoy delicious treats in the concession area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dive into corn, ice cream, pig on a stick, Smokin’ Wheels BBQ, corn dogs and tons of festival food.
Let your pets strut their stuff in the pet parade. “We’ve had dogs dressed up as everything you can imagine,” says Cheri Hamilton, chair of the Pumpkin Daze Committee. The parade isn’t just limited to dogs, though; enjoy seeing a wide variety of chickens, cows, ducks and more animals also dressed up.
The Republic Pumpkin Daze also features a kids zone section full of activities to keep the kids entertained, including a playground, laser tag, human hamster balls and inflatables. Finally, don’t miss the pedal tractor competition, which is offered in both youth and adult categories.
