The Catskill Chronicle

Photos by Carol Montana

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (September 18, 2013) – The 28^th Annual Giant Pumpkin Party and Children’s Parade will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Grahamsville, NY.

A benefit for the Daniel Pierce Library, this old-time country fair and autumn festival has always been focused on children. It’s a family day out in the country with something for everyone – from the costume parade to pony rides, giant pumpkin growing contest, haunted house, petting zoo, live country music, hay rides, hay maze, a “better” book sale, harvest baking contest, delicious food and other amusements.

The children’s costume parade (open to children of all ages) will begin the day’s activities. Marchers should assemble on the library lawn at 8:30 a.m. (Please park first at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds and take the free shuttle bus.) Entertainment on the library front lawn will be provided by Jack Luster and Dr. Professor Balloon-a-Kiss. At 9:00 a.m., parade participants will   march the ¼ mile route to the Fairgrounds where costume contest winners will be announced. All entrants will receive a prize. This year’s theme is: Dig Into Reading!

Following the parade there will be daylong musical entertainment, children’s games (every child is a winner), pony rides, craft activities, hayrides, petting zoo, hay maze, handmade crafts, bake sale, and raffle featuring more than forty prizes, plus the Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest (adult and children’s categories), Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Country Bake Contest, Obstacle Course, Hay Bale Throw Contest, and Theme Float Contest. Prizes and/or trophies will be awarded for each. Entry forms and contest rules are available in advance by contacting the Daniel Piece Library or visiting the library website.

Refreshments will be available all day, featuring: homemade donuts, chocolates, funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, wraps, nachos, hot apple cider and soft drinks.

The event is held rain or shine, and admission and parking are free. Funds raised will be used for the Children’s Program Room, and to purchase automation equipment.

The Fairgrounds are easily accessible from the New York State Thruway Kingston Exit to Route 209 South and Right onto Route 55, or from Route 17 to Liberty Exit 100A, right onto Route 55 for 14 miles.

For entry forms, contest rules, a schedule of the day’s events, or additional information, please call the Daniel Pierce Library at 845-985-7233 or visit the Giant Pumpkin Party page on the library website www.danielpiercelibrary.org.

Groups wishing to enter a float in the parade should contact the Daniel Pierce Library for additional information.