A wide array of creatively carved jack-o’-lanterns greeted about 2,000 community members on a crisp, clear Friday evening for the first night of the Arboretum at Penn State’s annual Pumpkin Fest.
Lighted jack-o’-lanterns were the centerpiece of the festival’s opening night, with judges evaluating contestants in four categories for each of seven age groups. But attendees of all ages also enjoyed live music, food trucks and the seasonally decorated Arboretum grounds, including a new floating light display at the Oasis Garden and Pond.
Pumpkin Fest continues from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. New this year are extended hours, more food trucks, a giant pumpkin on the Conservatory Terrace for selfies and a “guess the weight” contest, quiet hours from 10 a.m. to noon and “The Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy” demonstrating professional pumpkin-carving skills from 4 to 8 p.m.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10–11:a.m. | Story Time with Schlow Library Stories will begin at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. |
| 10 a.m.–noon | Quiet Hours and Daylight Strolling An ideal time for visitors with young children or those with sensory issues to enjoy the jack-o’-lantern displays without the festival noise and crowds. |
| 11 a.m.–noon | Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets |
| 1 p.m. | Contest Winners Announced |
| 1–6 p.m. | Children’s Activities Activities will include corn husk dolls, gourd decorating, carnival games, scavenger hunt and gourd guessing. |
| 1–9 p.m. | Music, Food, and Vendors Exhibits by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Penn State Sustainability, Master Gardeners, Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Center for Pollinator Research, and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Live music by Picker and Paw Paw (strolling for a total of 3 hours) |
| 2–3 p.m. | Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets |
| 4–8 p.m. | Live Pumpkin Carving by the Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy |
Check out some of the scenes from Friday night by photographer Greg Guise.
