Armstrong’s Harvest Pumpkin Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Community

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce is set to celebrate the 25th annual Harvest Pumpkin Festival from October 3 to 13, 2024. This beloved community event, which has been running for 24 years, aims to bring together residents and visitors to enjoy the vibrant colours of fall, creativity, and a strong sense of community spirit.

According to Patti Noonan, executive director of the chamber, this year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet. “Over 11 days of festivities, residents and visitors alike can enjoy free workshops, live music, local food, family activities, and the ever-popular Family Day on October 11 at the fairgrounds,” she said.

Festival Highlights and Activities

The Harvest Pumpkin Festival offers an extensive range of activities that cater to all ages. Highlights include:

– **Family Day (October 11)**: A full day of hands-on demonstrations, children’s activities, entertainment, and seasonal fun designed for families.
– **Free Workshops**: Participants can engage in various workshops, including pickling, earring making, drumming, beeswax wraps, and painting. Registration is required due to limited spots.
– **Community Events**: The festival features the Okanagan Street Fall Block Party, square dancing, family movie nights, and guided tours of local flower farms and pumpkin patches.
– **Live Entertainment**: Local musician Ryley Booth will perform at Bloom Flowers, while national talent Doug Robb will headline at Farmstrong Cider Co. Additional entertainment includes outdoor movies, Bubble Wonders, Kiki the Eco Elf, and the magical performance of Fizbann Wizard.
– **Signature Activities**: The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In is a major draw, with last year’s winner tipping the scales at an impressive 1,408 lbs, the largest recorded pumpkin in British Columbia for 2024. The Great Pumpkin Launch will also take place, where pumpkins are launched into the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“It’s a celebration of community, full of fall spirit, and truly fun for all ages,” Noonan emphasized. “Whether you’ve been coming for years or this is your first time, there’s no better year to experience the magic.”

Community Support and Acknowledgments

The festival’s success is attributed to the unwavering support from various organizations. Marc Szarek, a director on the chamber board, expressed gratitude towards the Government of Canada for its contributions over more than 20 years, which have helped the festival flourish into a cherished tradition.

“We also want to thank the amazing team at Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation. Year after year, they go above and beyond to help make this event possible, and their dedication is a significant part of what makes this festival so special,” Szarek stated.

For those interested in attending, the full activity schedule is available on the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce website. The Harvest Pumpkin Festival remains a testament to community unity and spirit, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of the season.