Let me tell you a story about the very first Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival. It wasn’t always held in early October like it is today. In fact, the inaugural festival took place 41 years ago, towards the end of October – when the days were getting colder. From Thursday, the 22nd, to Sunday, the 25th, the festival was a grand affair, culminating in the “Big Orange Parade” that started at West Frank Street and ended at the intersection of Quinn Street and Millwood Street.
The parade was led by the Color Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, followed by local heroes like firefighters and law enforcement officers. Local high school bands and the Shrine Band provided the music, and there were floats, commercial exhibits, and festival royalty. And of course, there were kids – lots of them – dressed in colorful costumes, dancing and skipping along the parade route.
The festival was a boon for local businesses, who offered sales and discounts to support the event. And let’s not forget about the food! The Caro Golf Course introduced a special orange-colored drink called the “Bumpkin Pumpkin” to add a touch of humor to the festivities. There was also a “Pie in the Eye” contest, sponsored by the local radio station, which had spectators and contestants alike vying for the chance to get a face full of pumpkin pie.
The festival was held in the Business District and the Courthouse Lawn, with tents housing representatives from local businesses and crafters. Streets were blocked off for food vendors and local clubs, and large tents were set up for people to sit and share stories. The main events took place at the Tuscola County Courthouse Lawn, which was often the first and last place people would visit.
The pumpkin festival was a big deal for Tuscola County – it was the largest public gathering, the greatest feast, and the biggest show. There were competitions for the biggest and most creatively decorated pumpkins, and the winners had their pumpkins displayed at the Courthouse Lawn. The festival was a time of fun and celebration for everyone, whether they lived in Tuscola County or were just visiting.
The Caro Roadhouse Museum & Historical Society also played a part in the festival, presenting a collection of items related to the history of the festival. They also collected stories and photographs from festival-goers to add to their archive.
This year’s Pumpkin Festival will take place from Thursday, October 6th, through Sunday, October 9th. The parade will start on Sunday at 1:30 pm on Main Street. This festival is considered one of the best fall festivals in Michigan by Grand Rapids Kids.
So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, come and join us at the Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival. Enjoy the food, the parade, the competitions, and most importantly, the sense of community. And who knows, you might even get a pie in the eye!
The Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and of course, pumpkins. From the grand parade to the “Pie in the Eye” contest, the festival offers fun and excitement for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to enjoy the gaiety and camaraderie of the event. So come join us, and be a part of a tradition that’s been going strong for over 40 years.
#TuscolaPumpkinFestival #FallInMichigan
See the original post at [The Colorful Tuscola Pumpkin Festival – 2022](https://thumbwind.com/2022/09/30/tuscola-pumpkin-festival/)
