The 29th Annual Great Cortland Pumpkinfest Returns to Courthouse Park October 3rd & 4th

Jack Eves: X101, always classic. Good morning, folks. Jack Eves here for another edition of Meet Cortland County, and this one is definitely going to be a special one, because joining me in the studio this morning is Savannah Hempstead, who is on the committee for The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest, which is taking place two weeks from today, folks. That’s October 3rd and 4th at Courthouse Park, as well as pretty much all over Courthouse Park and even in front of the county office building, Savannah, because Pumpkinfest, I think, has really grown.

Savannah Hempstead: It has. It has. Good morning, Jack. Yes, we have grown the events with the Pumpkinfest year after year, trying to incorporate more things that will bring families and people into the community and to enjoy the fall season. It’s hard to believe that October is only a couple weeks away, but we’re getting right into it.

Jack Eves: Yes, and happening Saturday the 3rd and then Sunday the 4th. Saturday, it’s from 10:00 to 7:00, and then Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. There’s just such a variety of things to do, including, I think a lot of people go there obviously besides pumpkins everywhere, too, and hay bales, an amazing selection of craft vendors throughout, as well as some great food options, live music, and of course, the midway for the kids. This year, you know, you’re bringing back what you guys implemented, which is the food court vibe, which is also great because you can enjoy the live music that’s right there and the Pumpkin Pub. What are some of the food vendors people can expect this year?

Savannah Hempstead: So we have a lot of the same food vendors as the previous years. They have been brought back by popular demand, so you’ll see The Deli Boys truck there. LuLu’s Kettle Corn is always the staple favorite. We have our midway vendors, so you’ll get your cotton candy, all your goodies from the midway. We also have Caribbean Patty World coming back this year, as well as a couple of the others.

Jack Eves: Yeah, just a great variety right there that you highlighted. You can go there and you can pretty much try anything you want. And obviously live music, it’s big, it’s happening on both days. I was looking online, and the full lineup, of course, can be found at cortlandpumpkinfest.org. Savannah, who are some of the great bands we have lined up this year?

Savannah Hempstead: Yeah, so music starts at noon both days. The festival opens at 10:00, but the music starts at noon. So starting us off on Saturday, we have local band Cherry Holler, which is a really fun local rock band. Sunday, we’re starting off with another local band at noon with The Dry County Welders. Saturday night, we’re closing it off with Dead & Friends, and Sunday, we’re closing it off with Trick shot, who is another local band. So please check out the lineup online. There’s a couple others in there that are going to be a great time.

Jack Eves: Of course. And besides listening to live music, the kids going there, you know, the Kids Zone is back. I know pony rides, too, that’s always a super popular one as well.

Savannah Hempstead: Yes, the pony rides brought to you by NBT Bank. Thank you to our sponsors, as well as AES Corp, Centralus Health, Farm Credit East, Guthrie, and Experience Cortland, all our major sponsors this year. We could not do it without you. The hayrides, the pumpkin painting, the Kids Zone, the pony rides, all of it is a great time for kids of all ages.

Jack Eves: You’ve got to go with that pumpkin decorating contest, too, because you really see some creative designs these kids can do on a pumpkin.

Savannah Hempstead: You do, and it’s for all ages. That is now posted. It’s on our social medias as well as the website, so go check it out, get your form, and get your decorating on.

Jack Eves: Yeah, get that creativity going. Maybe inspired by either a fun movie you like or maybe go traditional with a classic jack-o’-lantern, right?

Savannah Hempstead: Yeah, there’s different categories on there that you can pick from and different age categories, so everybody has an opportunity.

Jack Eves: Every opportunity. And speaking of opportunity, too, Pumpkinfest merchandise will be available while supplies last. And if you haven’t seen this year’s design, it’s on their Facebook page, and it was designed by a great local person, and you can check that out. And that’s all while supplies last at the merchandise booth, which is next to the World War I memorial, I believe, right?

Savannah Hempstead: Yes, yes, right in the middle of the festival in front of the courthouse steps. So check that out. We have our merchandise, and the Pumpkin Pub is also open, and there’ll be merchandise in there as well.

Jack Eves: Wonderful. Savannah, I know it’s hard to believe October is two weeks from today, but at least a positive sight is knowing the 29th annual Great Cortland Pumpkinfest is coming up. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day today to give us a sneak preview of what’s going to be another exciting and great Pumpkinfest.

Savannah Hempstead: It’s going to be a great time. Can’t wait to see you there, Jack.

Jack Eves: Can’t wait, and I will definitely be there. Again, more information, including an overview map, can be found at cortlandpumpkinfest.org. Savannah, thank you so much. Great seeing you.

Savannah Hempstead: You too, Jack. Thank you.

Jack Eves: For Meet Cortland County, I’m Jack Eves.