The 22nd annual Renfrew Pumpkin Festival will be held Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Renfrew Park in Waynesboro, rain or shine.
The festival includes a full day of activities and fun for all ages, including live bluegrass music by Little Sister Band, pumpkin carving, games and other activities during the festival, which is a joint fund-raiser for Renfrew Institute and Renfrew Museum.
The ever-popular trebuchet will run throughout the day. Trebuchets—giant catapult devices—have their origins in the middle ages.
“Trebuchets like ours hurl pumpkins, and are great fun,” said Maxine Beck, festival co-chair. “Our trebuchet was constructed by volunteers who researched the devices thoroughly to create an authentic working model. A horn is blown just before each pumpkin is launched, and spectators love to see how far they fly.”
The corn toss game, pumpkin bowling, and pumpkin ping-pong are fun for all ages. Kids will enjoy face painting, and a “corn kernel station” provides a sandbox-like activity with a pool full of dried corn kernels. Tractor-drawn hayrides and photo board setups add to the fun for all.
The scarecrow-making workshop is always popular. Participants are encouraged to bring their own long-sleeve shirts and pants. Some clothes will be provided, but may run out during the event. Scarecrow clothing donations are welcome.
“Used clothing in sizes from children’s large to adult small is best for making the scarecrows,” said Beck. Straw and instructions are also provided.
A full lunch is included in the price of admission—soup, fresh bread, cider and sliced apples. A choice of homemade soups is offered, traditional ham and bean and vegetarian vegetable.
Hot dogs, soda and coffee will be sold separately. In addition, a bake sale offers a variety of homemade goodies.
Pumpkins will be available for purchase, priced by size. A team of pumpkin artists will be on hand to help guests carve their pumpkins during the festival. Safe carving tools and adult supervision will be provided. Decorative Indian corn bundles will also be sold.
Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children age 3 and under. Cash or credit cards accepted. Renfrew Museum will hold an “open house” for tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., included with admission to the festival.
Sponsorship support provided by M & T Bank.
Parking is available adjacent to the Visitor’s Center barn, with some additional parking in Renfrew’s lower lot off Welty Road. A golf cart will shuttle those who need assistance from the parking area to the festival grounds.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Franklin Co. Commissioners and Washington Township Supervisors are sponsoring free personal document shredding in the Washington Township Office Parking Lot (beside the Welty Road entrance to Renfrew Park). There is a limit of 10 bags or boxes per person, and the following items cannot be processed: newspapers, 3-ring binders, carbon paper, film, metal, cardboard, trash or heavy plastics.
For more information about the Pumpkin Festival, call the institute at 717-762-0373 or the museum at 717-762-4723. Details also available at www.renfrewinstitute.org, www.renfrewmuseum.org, and on Facebook at www.facebook/renfrewpark.
CUTLINE: Children love to pick out their favorite pumpkins during Renfrew Pumpkin Festival. The event is scheduled this year for Saturday, October 17 from 11 am to 4 pm.