Thanks to an influx of support from local businesses and schools, one of the organizers of the inaugural Innisfail Pumpkin Festival says she is confident organizers will reach their goal of 1,000 pumpkins lighting up Main Street.
Debra Stoski said she’s heard from a number of businesses in town that have purchased pumpkins in order to hold their own in-house carving contests prior to the festival, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night on 50 Street from 50 Avenue to 53 Street. The same companies then intend to enter those pumpkins in the festival.
“I’m feeling good,” she said. “I expected the odd person to do a pumpkin but when you hear of entire companies where everyone is going to carve a pumpkin – that’s awesome.”
Registration for the lawn tractor race has been so brisk that Stoski already has enough participants to ensure the race will go ahead. Registration doesn’t officially close until Oct. 28.
Stoski said Kemp Farms has donated the hay bales that will line the track, which will run down 50 Avenue from 53 Street to 52 Street. The winner of the elimination race will take home a $250 tool kit donated by NAPA Auto Parts.
The festival’s haunted house, which will be set up inside the former offices of Realty Executives, will be extra spooky, Stoski promised.
“There will be animated things happening in there … and ghouls,” she said. “It’s going to be pretty scary.”
A few doors down at the former location of Innisfail Flowers & Gifts, children will be able to play eight different games at the carnival. The games have been sponsored by a number of local businesses, including the Leg Man, Studio Arts, iLock & Key, Jeff Knowles of Century 21, the Coffee Cottage, ATB, the Gift Loft and Baier’s Stationery.
There is a small fee to purchase tickets at the carnival and to enter the haunted house. Local businesses will also be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Century Cinemas will also be holding a late showing of The Caller in conjunction with the festival. The movie starts at 9:30 p.m. and admission is $5.
Stoski said pumpkins are still available at the Co-op or No Frills.
Volunteers are still needed and anyone interested in getting involved can call Innisfail Tire and Lube at (403) 227-4218 or the Coffee Cottage at (403) 227-0464.
Proceeds from the festival are going towards projects revitalizing the downtown core.
