Published in the October 14, 2019 edition.

WAKEFIELD — The West Side Social Club 4th of July Committee and the Middlesex Concert Band (MCB) are hosting a new event, “Pumpkin Fest,” on Sunday, October 20 that is guaranteed to provide an afternoon of family fun. The event, held at Moulton Park, is slated to begin at 1:30 p.m.

The main features of the day will be a Children’s Concert by the MCB and a Carved Pumpkin Contest by the WSSC 4th of July. The Children’s Concert will start at 2 p.m., ending at 3:30 p.m. Registration for the Pumpkin Contest starts at 3 p.m. with Kidzfun immediately following to host children’s activities. The event will end with the announcement of the Pumpkin winners at 5 p.m.

Carol Hubbard, Co-Chair of the WSSC 4th of July Committee said, “This new event is a spinoff of the Children’s Events that occur on the morning of the Fourth of July. We once again encourage children to dig deep into their imaginations and either carve or decorate a pumpkin in one of the categories (see below), bring it to Moulton Park, enter the contest and win a trophy.

“The Middlesex Concert Band has been providing a Children’s Concert for many years at the Civic Center, but the two groups got together and came up with the idea of a great outdoor Fall Fest. And the best part is this event is free to attend although donations are suggested to help next year’s Children’s Events, Concert on the Common, and the Fireworks Display on July 4th. We are hopeful to get the word out to as many families as possible to join in the fun. So spread the word.”

The event schedule is as follows:

1:30 p.m. Event Begins

2-3:30 p.m. Children’s Concert performed by the Middlesex Concert Band

3:30 p.m. Registration for Pumpkin Contest (pre-carved/decorated pumpkins only)

3:30-4:30 p.m. Children Activities hosted by Kidzfun

4 p.m. Pumpkin Contest judging begins

5 p.m. Pumpkins are lit with battery operated candles only.

Contest winners are announced.

5:30 p.m. Event ends (pumpkins must be removed from the Park)

Divisions
*Age at time of event

• 3 years to 6 years

• 7 years to 10 years

• 11 years to 14 years

• 15 years to 18 years

Categories:
Trophies awarded

* Best Overall

* Most Creative – Carved, Painted, Decorated

* Most Humorous

Entries in each division will be judged on design, detail, creativity and originality. One trophy will be awarded for each category in each division.

Contest Rules:

• Pumpkins can be painted, carved, or decorated in other ways. Anything goes.

• Pumpkins must be done at home and brought to the park completed. There will be no carving allowed during the event.

• Adults are welcome to help children, especially for carving safety reasons, but in the spirit of the contest, please ensure the entry is primarily done by the child.

• No “Flame” candles allowed. Battery operated lights only. Pumpkins will be lit prior to the end of event.

• Please keep entries approximately 1 foot high, 1 foot wide

• Entries must be free-standing and be easy to display.

• Entry should not incorporate any amplified sound

• Pumpkins must be family friendly. Scary designs are fine, but please do not incorporate any violent or sexually suggestive elements.

• Organizers have the right to refuse any entry deemed inappropriate.

• All pumpkins must be removed after the event

Additional
features
throughout
the
day:

• “Petting Zoo” filled with musical instruments for children to learn and play

• Pumpkin Patch to purchase fresh farm pumpkins and home baked goods

• Face Painting

• Free Apple Cider and Refreshments

• Music entertainment throughout the day

All activities and refreshments are free. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

So, there you have it. Mark your calendars for an afternoon designed to keep children active and to get the family together for an outdoor event. The WSSC 4th of July Committee and the Middlesex Concert Band are looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, October 20. We recommend you don’t miss this one.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will still go on inside the Anderson Hall located at the West Side Social Club, however on a much smaller scale with the Children’s Concert, Pumpkin Carving Contest and Kidzfun activities.