FeedsPumpkin Festival begins on Friday
The Romulus Pumpkin Festival Committee had to cope with reduced revenues this year, but organizers promise an array of activities that should mask that fact.
Maria Lambert, chairwoman of the Romulus Downtown Development Authority, said there are many new aspects of the festival, and a few staples have been removed.
“We brought in new activities this year, and we think they are the kinds of things that appeal to people of all ages and interests,” she said.
New this year is a pumpkin tossing contest. Players will compete in age designations to find out who can chuck a pumpkin the farthest.
Out this year is the Teen Tent, which was introduced two years ago, but turned out not to be as successful as originally intended, Lambert said.
“The teenagers wanted to be out and about where everyone else is,” she said. “I can’t say I blame them – they want to be action is.”
Ellen Craig-Bragg, the coordinator of the entertainment portion of the festival, said she believes new sounds will help revitalize the festival.
“We have four new bands this year, so that will be different,” she said.
The Pumpkin Festival is the largest city-sponsored event to happen on an annual basis in Romulus. It typically attracts residents from the entire Wayne County area. The festival has grown exponentially since its inception in 1997 – 200 vendors will line the streets of downtown Romulus, along with nine musical acts and many activities for young and old.
This year, several area groups will get some help from the festival, as well.
Bingo will once again take place at the senior center on Saturday and Sunday, with the proceeds going directly to the fund to build a new animal shelter.
Also, Lee Norwood, a former Detroit Red Wing, will spend Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Romulus Pumpkin Festival in support of the 2008 Romulus Goodfellows’ “No Child Without A Christmas” campaign.
M.J. White & Son, Inc., a local disaster restoration specialist offered to bring Norwood to sign autographs and help sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a four-pack of Red Wing Tickets. The tickets, also donated by M.J. White & Son, Inc., are for the Nov. 26 Red Wings home game where Detroit will face off against the Montreal Canadians starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be offered for a $5 donation and are available at the festival.
The winner will be announced at the Romulus Goodfellows Inc. general membership meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Romulus City Hall council chambers. Although contestants need not be present to win, anyone interested in helping out with the 2008 Romulus Goodfellows’ project is welcome to attend.
Festival activities will begin Friday afternoon, with the official opening of the festival, and the Parade of Lights. Activities continue on Saturday and Sunday.
Craig Bragg said one aspect of the fair she would like to see change is the number of vendors at the fair.
“I think we just keep getting bigger and bigger,” she said. “But we’d still like to see more vendors.”
Attendance at the festival is free of charge.
