The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

GRAHAMSVILLE – While the 24th Annual Giant Pumpkin Party and Children’s Parade (GPP) took place under cloudy skies, nothing could diminish the festive attitude of the participants.

Hundreds of children, accompanied by parents and other relatives, enjoyed the festivities at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds on October 3.

Held every year on the first Saturday in October, the GPP is sponsored by the Daniel Pierce Library in Grahamsville. The day started with a parade that included all sorts of decorated floats – each vying for a coveted prize – as well as fire trucks, antique cars, boy and girl scouts, and marchers dressed in all sorts of interesting and creative costumes. 

Following the parade, a costume contest took place with many categories and prizes. Additionally, there was a contest for who grew the biggest pumpkin, which this year weighed in at 635.5 pounds. Other competitions included an obstacle course, a country bake contest, pumpkin decorating,  tug of war, hay bale throwing and a scarecrow contest. 

For the non-competitive among us, there was still plenty to do: pony rides, hay rides, face painting, a haunted house, and carnival games where everyone who played was a winner.

Readers (and what would a library event be without avid readers?) delighted in what has become known as the Better Book Sale, where excellent book specimens of all genres delighted adults and children alike.

There were crafts of all kinds: jewelry and leather goods, harvest wreathes and candles, and even pet rocks and beds for them to sleep in.

Musical entertainment was provided by Breakneck Annie, Fiddlin’ Around and Paul Lounsbury, who also announced the parade participants and emceed the costume contest.

And, of course, there was food including baked goods, chili, coffee and soda, hot dogs and hamburgers, and the ever-popular funnel cakes, all prepared and served by community-minded volunteers.

Oh, did we mention that there were pumpkins for sale, too? 

To views more photos or to purchase prints from the 24th Annual Giant Pumpkin Party and Children’s Parade visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.