Bessemer Pumpkinfest

Welcome to the 31st Annual Bessemer Pumpkin Festival. The Bessemer Chamber of Commerce is once again proud to sponsor this year's event. You will find that there is something for everyone. Please refer to the schedule of events for a complete list of activities. We're still trying to finalize all the events so please check back periodically.

Festivities for this year's event begin on Thursday, October 8, with the Chamber's "Business After 5" social at the Gin Mill bar.

A new event to the Pumpkinfest, geo-caching "Find the Pumpkin, makes its Pumpkinfest debut. Some may remember geo-caching as part of the Bessemer 4th of July activities. Entry forms can be picked up Thursday at the Bessemer BP gas station or you can click here. The Poker Run and 50/50 Raffle sales also begin and all will run through Saturday evening.

On Saturday, October 10, begin your day with a hearty Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the St. Sebastian School. Boy Scout Troop #337 will fire up the griddle from 7 a.m. until noon.

After breakfast, the entire family can spend the day downtown with special activities for kids (and adults who want to act like kids). Vendor and food booths will be lined up on Sophie Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Main Street activities include a costume kiddies parade, ventriloquist Dave Parker and Skippy performances, face painting, pumpkin bowling and a number of contests including pumpkin carving. Some new events are also being planned this year, including pony rides.

The Bessemer Historical Society will open its doors from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Stop by and see the many displays depicting Bessemer's history and heritage.

A craft fair will be held at A.D. Johnston High School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gym will be filled with crafters showing their wares.

For the classic car enthusiast, the Klassic Kruisers Car Club will have many of their classic and antique cars on display. The Bessemer VFW will be co-sponsoring an open Horseshoe Tournament.

As always, Pumpkin Bingo will be played at the Washington School and the Pie Social will be held at the City Hall Auditorium. So after all that walking and shopping, stop by for some great deserts and conversation. The Gogebic Range Band will provide live entertainment from 1-2 p.m. The Bake-Off and Chili Cook-off are also back by popular demand.

Pop Warner football will pit our local Penokee Range teams against Ashland at Massie Field. Kickoff for the first of three games is at 11 a.m. Dairy Queen is hosting a treasure hunt and helicopter rides will take off from Steiger's field. And finally, Boulder Creek Golf Course will host a "Closest to the Pumpkin" driving contest.

To end the day, a Roast Beef/Rotisserie Chicken dinner will be held at the Bessemer VFW from 4-7 p.m.   Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance or at the door. The dinner is open to the public and takeout is available. Entertainment complements of Up North Connection. A silent auction will be held throughout the dinner. At 7 p.m., the 50/50 raffle winner will be drawn.

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