Pumpktober Festival Celebrates the Best of the Season During “Fall in Love with Ridgefield" Weekend

Pumpkins Take Center Stage at the Lounsbury House in the First “Pumpktober” Festival

October’s iconic gourd, the pumpkin, lends its moniker to a new festival at the Lounsbury House, “Pumpktober.” Taking place during Ridgefield’s iconic seasonal celebration Fall in Love with Ridgefield on Saturday, October 17 from 11am-9pm and Sunday, October 18 from 11am-5pm, Pumpktober is an entirely new concept that's sure to become an annual favorite.

Kids will appreciate the inflatable obstacle course, bungee jumping, padded sumo wrestling, bounce houses, rides and more, but they’re not the only ones with something to celebrate; just like a traditional Oktoberfest, Pumpktober will also offer plenty of beer for the 21-and-older set. Of course, Lederhosen are as iconic as a full beer stein, and they’re on the way! Enjoy live music for dancing or strolling the Lounsbury House’s beautiful grounds by Your Way Entertainment and the Blue Sky Band. Local vendors The Hideaway, Fifty Coins, HooDoo Brown BBQ, Odeen’s, King Kone, The Alpenhaus Restaurant, Fire Engine Pizza, Only The Hungry Food Truck, Zawack Shack, Edwin Lema, and Next Step Living will be onsite.

On Saturday night, hundreds of illuminated pumpkins will line the balcony of the Lounsbury House, creating a dazzling sight for the whole family to enjoy. In the afternoon before the blaze, children are invited to pick and carve a pumpkin from the Lounsbury House's patch for inclusion in the spectacle.

Spearheading the event is Rich Vazzana, who envisioned the Lounsbury House as an even more central part of Fall in Love With Ridgefield. Pumpktober is “a way to include the newly renovated Lounsbury House, help charity, bring people to town, and capture Oktoberfest,” says Vazzana. In the spirit of “Where's Waldo?,” a pumpkin-man will be popping up around town in the days leading up to the festival. Keep track of his location each day for a chance to win 10 free ride tickets to be used during Pumpktober weekend.

Organized by The Ridgefield Sunrise Rotary Club in conjunction with the Lounsbury House, the event has garnered support from many sponsors: Planet Pizza, Creative Tile, Kohl’s, Fairfield County Bank, Westchester Group at Morgan Stanley, Ridgefield Hardware, Ridgefield Supply, Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, and the Lounsbury House Women’s Committee. Proceeds will benefit The Ridgefield Playhouse, Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, Lion’s Heart, Prospector Theater and Lounsbury House.

Organizers are preparing for 2,000-3,000 guests. Every day, new rides and booths are being added. Follow the Pumpktober Facebook Page for current news.

PUMPKTOBER 2015

Where: Lounsbury House, 316 Main Street Ridgefield, CT

When: Saturday, October 17, 11am-9pm and Sunday, October 18, 11am-5pm

Ticket prices:

Adults 18 and older - $10

Children ages 12-18 - $5

Children younger than 12 - free

Admission price is for two days. Hand stamping available.