Welcome to the 34th Annual Bessemer Pumpkin Festival. The Bessemer Chamber of Commerce is once again proud to sponsor this year's event. You'll find activities for the whole family. Please refer to the schedule of events for a complete list.

Festivities begin Thursday evening, September 29, with the Chamber's "Business After 5" social at the Pit Stop bar. Also starting on Thursday are the 50/50 raffle and geo-caching.

Friday evening, September 28, enjoy an outdoor "Movie on Main Street." "The Haunted Mansion" (Rated PG) begins at 7:30 p.m. in the lot next to The Stuff Store. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and jackets - It may get a little cool.

The Poker Run begins on Friday and runs through midnight Saturday. Drawings will be held Friday and Saturday night at midnight at the Pit Stop.

On Saturday, September 29, begin your day with a hearty Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the St. Sebastian School (regular pancakes are available too). The St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus 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. Please see the Contests page for more information. Pumpkinfest T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased at our information booth, the Historical Society, or General Insurance Agency.

Pony rides and a petting zoo will be set up in the lot across from Ableman's.

Our craft fair will be held at the A.D. Johnston High School gym from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gym will be filled with crafters showing their wares. While you're at the gym, visit the Gogebic Wood Carvers in the shop room where you can see many of their hand- carved pieces.

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

For the classic car and tractor enthusiasts, the Klassic Kruisers Car Club will have many of their classic and antique cars on display.  Click here for their news release. Also, the Lake Superior Tired Iron Tractor Club will display their antique tractors in the BP parking lot. A tractor pull is scheduled for high-noon.

The Bessemer VFW will co-sponsor an open Horseshoe Tournament beginning at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is open to the public. Pumpkin Bingo will be played at City Hall in the DDA Meeting Room (1st floor) 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 and Washington Elementary School Choir will provide entertainment at the Pie Social.

And at 3:00 p.m., Dairy Queen is hosting a treasure hunt for the kids.

After a hectic day on Main Street, relax at beautiful Massie Field and enjoy a FREE outdoor concert. The classic rock sounds of R3WYND will echo off the bluffs from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

And from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, a teen dance will be held at the City Hall Auditorium. Refreshments will be available. There is a $3 cover charge.

Pumpkinfest closes out Sunday evening, September 30, with a Roast Beef/Rotisserie Chicken dinner at the Bessemer VFW, from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (under 10 - $5) and can be purchased at the door. The dinner is open to the public and takeout is available. Bluegrass favorite Up North Connection returns to provide entertainment. A silent auction will be held throughout the dinner.

At 6:00 p.m., we will draw the 50/50 raffle winner and silent auction winners will be announced.

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