Milford Pumpkin Festival Kicks Off Friday Evening

MILFORD, NH — The 2016 Milford Pumpkin Festival starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016. The opening ceremony, pumpkin runner/town hall lighting, and fireworks mark the beginning of the festival that takes place in downtown Milford.

Last year, the event attracted more than 35,000 people, according to the Milford Improvement Team’s website. Executive Director Wendy Hunt expects the same or more this year. Hunt said the weekend’s schedule includes a talent show, haunted trail, and the pumpkin weigh-in.

“I think there is guy bringing a 2,000 pound pumpkin that he took to the Deerfield Fair,” she said.

Hunt’s personal favorite is the Scarecrow Making tent.

“We have jeans and shirts,” she said. “People build them and then bring them around the festival - some in strollers. It reminds me of Weekend at Bernie’s.”

Hunt said preparation for the festival takes many months, and includes the support of the board members, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and many other groups.

“Police, fire, ambulance, electricians- everyone is on deck,” she said.

Hunt is also proud of the number of non-profit vendors that are able to participate in the festival.

“It’s really a community event,” she said.

Admission is free, as are the shuttles from the middle school and high school.

“We would love for everyone to come out,” Hunt said. “Walk around, listen to bands, look at pumpkins.”

You can participate as little or as much as you would like, she said.

Additional Information:

• Full schedule of events
• Maps and Other Information

Credit: Photos provided by Wendy Hunt, Milford Improvement Team Executive Director