The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Pumpkin celebrations will be coming to South Holland with a family-centred event in Spalding.
The celebration of horticulture and harvest will be in the town centre from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, October 9, with a variety of entertainment alongside the usual weekend market.
Local businesses in the town centre are taking part in the annual window dressing competition and there will be a stage with live performers.
The market will include food and gift stalls along with local charity and community groups.
A new addition will be the Pumpkin Sculpture Trail which will take people around the town showcasing the creations of local artist Jonathan Nicholls, sponsored by local pumpkin farmer David Bowman.
Visitors will also be encouraged to take part in a scarecrow competition and are invited to take along their creations to be in with a chance of winning a luxury hamper.
Polka Dot Pantomimes will be providing roaming street entertainment and there will be a leaf globe to provide an autumnal photo opportunity.
Face painting and harvest themed arts and crafts will also be on offer throughout the day.
“It is great that we are able to hold a pumpkin celebration this year in Spalding town centre and, whilst it is still not able to take place as normal, the fantastic range of activities and entertainment on offer should still make it a great event for all the family,” said Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities.
“We hope that by having the event on a Saturday more people will be able to come to celebrate the district’s proud association with harvest time, enjoy what’s on offer and provide a welcome boost to our existing market stall holders and businesses.”
Previously the Pumpkin Parade had traditionally been held on Friday night, followed by fireworks. But, due to the pandemic, no event was held last year.
There will also be an online Pumpkin Pets Competition, sponsored by Roookes.
Entries will open on Friday, October 8 and public voting will close on Friday, October 29.
The Market Place, Hall Place and the Sheep Market will be closed from 7am to 5pm on October 9.
The Sheep Market car park will also be closed from the night of Friday, October 8 to allow the setting-up of additional stalls.
