Bessemer Pumpkinfest

Welcome to the 32nd 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 begin on Thursday, October 7, with the Chamber's "Business After 5" social at the Pit Stop bar.

Friday evening, Spectrum Entertainment sets up their midway in the BP Gas Station parking lot. The carnival will run through Sunday.

Several new events will be introduced this year. The City Hall auditorium will host two of these events. On Friday night, a Senior Social will be held from 7 - 9 p.m. Ron Niemi will entertain with his blend of country music. Free refreshments will be served. On Saturday night, we will sponsor a teen dance from 8 - 11 p.m.

From Friday through Sunday, the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) will set up camp in the lot next to the Coach Potato. You may remember them at area Renaissance Faires. If you're unfamiliar with the SCA, they are an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Members will be dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance and will perform fighting demos and other events typical of that time.

In addition, a trebuchet (like a catapult) demonstration will be held at E.J Oas' Field on Sunday, October 10, at 12 p.m. To keep with the festival's theme, pumpkins will be used as ammunition. We've been told the trebuchet will throw the pumpkins over 50 yards.

All of your favorite events return as well. Geo-caching, "Find the Pumpkin," returns for its second year. Entry forms can be picked up Thursday at the Bessemer BP gas station or you can click here. We will also have the Scarecrow, Totem Pole, and Largest Pumpkin contests. The Poker Run begins Friday and runs through mid-night Saturday.

On Saturday, October 9, begin your day with a hearty Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the St. Sebastian School. The St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus 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. Pumpkinfest sweatshirts can be purchased at our information booth, the Historical Society, or General Insurance Agency.

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 co-sponsor an open Horseshoe Tournament. The tournament is open to the public.

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.

Dairy Queen is hosting a treasure hunt and helicopter rides will take off from Steiger's field.

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 (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.

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