NORTH SMITHFIELD: Planning is underway for North Smithfield’s 2022 Great Pumpkin Festival, with a long list of vendors already signed up, offering all the unique activities, entertainment and fall treats guests have come to expect from the event, and then some .
But the list of sponsors is shorter than expected for this year, according to festival president Elizabeth Featherston.
The event, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of North Smithfield High School, drew approximately 5,200 guests in 2021. Featherston said he hopes to surpass that turnout in 2022 and that he is already making a map. dozens of vendor booths, featuring local businesses, school and municipal groups, and other non-profit organizations.
“We had a phenomenal turnout last year,” Featherston said. “I was very excited about the amount of people, the camaraderie, the family atmosphere. I hope this year will be even better.”
Pumpkinfest activities make the annual family festival stand out from others of its kind, and 2022 will be no exception. Two favorites – bull riding and Remax hot air balloon rides – are returning to the event this year. The fun features will add to an already long list of Pumpkinfest regulars, from a petting zoo and children’s games to a pumpkin pie contest. Remote control cars, miniature golf and bounce houses will complement a host of free activities for the little ones.
That affordability, with a low entry fee complemented by plenty of free things to do, has also made the North Smithfield Fall Festival stand out over its 15-year history. That may be a bit of a challenge in 2022 if more sponsors don’t come forward, according to the president.
“The festival uses sponsors, so the cost of admission is $1 per person. Unfortunately, sponsors are a little light this year,” Featherston said. “We will work with what we have and move forward.”
Signing sponsors include Waterson Terminal Services; Stanley Tree; United Rentals; National Marker; The pulse of North Smithfield; The Stearns/McGee team; Coffee Hour Marketing; Beauty BL; Material Sand and Stone; and WOON Radio.
Featherston said there is plenty of room for more, and those who can’t provide funding can sponsor goods and services.
“We’re always looking for that, too,” he said.
More vendors are also welcome, until the deadline of Thursday, September 1. Booths are $65 for businesses and individuals, and $35 for non-profit vendors.
This year, Featherston said he expects to see all the usual vendor booths, plus some newcomers. North Smithfield Fire & Rescue will bring their smoker to the event, and kids can play in a sandbox or visit with Bobo the Clown. There will be martial arts and dance demonstrations, and an indoor dining area where guests can sit and listen to live entertainment. Treats for sale will include lemonade, apple balls, ice cream, doughboys, clam fritters, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and more.
Animal attendees will include alpacas from a local farm and visitors from Southwick’s traveling Zoomobile.
“Kids of all ages can pet, hug and learn about different animals,” Featherston said.
Headlining the entertainment is Worcester folk and blues act Colt & the Coyotes, with a full lineup of bands playing the Pumpkinfest stage throughout the day.
And of course there will be pumpkins, with pumpkins to paint, decorate and a baking contest with 1st, 2nd and 3rd cash prizes.
The pumpkins, however, will not fly through the air as many have done in recent years. Featherston said the pumpkin trebuchet, built by an NSHS student as part of a senior project many years ago, is now in need of serious maintenance or replacement.
“We’ve thrown away our last pumpkin for now,” he said.
Things will also be slightly different for festival entry in 2022, with buttons only being sold at the door, rather than going forward. Featherston said the festival committee has found that working with local shops to collect the funds creates additional work.
The event is a huge effort for the group of volunteers, for a day of family fun that attracts crowds of up to 6,000 visitors. She notes that more help is always needed to help the festival succeed and grow.
“We have such new committee members this year, we are very excited,” Featherston said.
Those who want to get involved, helping with donations, vendor booths, sponsorships or volunteer time, can submit applications and more online at greatpumpkinfestival.org/.
“I’m excited we’re going to have a really good day,” Featherston said.
