36th Annual Pumpkin Festival

From 36th Annual Pumpkin Festival Website:

Bessemer's 36th Annual Pumpkin Festival
September 25 - September 28, 2014

Festivities begin Thursday evening, September 25, with the Chamber's "Business After 5" social at the Pit Stop bar. Also starting on Thursday are the 50/50 raffle and geo-caching.

Friday evening, September 26, enjoy the Halloween comedy [TBD]. The movie begins at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Auditorium and is free. Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on (some seating will be available).

The Poker Run begins on Friday and runs through midnight Saturday. Drawings will be held Friday and Saturday night at midnight at the Pit Stop.

On Saturday, September 27, begin your day with a hearty Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the St. Sebastian School (regular pancakes are available too). The St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus fire up the griddle from 7 - 11a.m.

After breakfast, the entire family can spend the day downtown with special activities for kids (and adults who want to act like kids). Vendor and food booths will be lined up on Sophie Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Main Street activities include a costume kiddies parade, carnival, ventriloquist Dave Parker and Skippy performances, balloon characters and face painting by Slow Poke da Clown & Twinklz, pumpkin bowling and a number of contests. Please see the Contests page for more information. Pumpkinfest T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased at our information booth, the BP gas station, and General Insurance Agency.

Pony rides and a petting zoo will be set up on Main Street.

Our craft fair will be held at the A.D. Johnston High School gym from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gym will be filled with crafters showing their wares. While you're at the gym, visit the Gogebic Wood Carvers in the shop room where you can see many of their hand-carved pieces.

The Bessemer Historical Society opens its doors from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Stop by and see the many displays depicting Bessemer's history and heritage. You may also want to take the short drive to Copper Peak and enjoy their Adventure Ride.

For the classic car and tractor enthusiasts, the Klassic Kruisers Car Club will have many of their classic and antique cars on display. Also, the Lake Superior Tired Iron Tractor Club will display their antique tractors in the BP parking lot. A tractor pull is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

The Bessemer VFW will co-sponsor an open Horseshoe Tournament beginning at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is open to the public. Pumpkin Bingo will be played at City Hall in the DDA Meeting Room (1st floor) and the Pie Social will be held at the City Hall Auditorium. So after all that walking and shopping, stop by for some great deserts and conversation. The Gogebic Range Band and Washington Elementary School Choir will provide entertainment at the Pie Social.

And at 3:00 p.m., Dairy Queen is hosting a treasure hunt for the kids.

After a hectic day, relax and enjoy our Street Dance on Main Street. The country sounds of Bomb Squad will entertain you from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

And from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, a teen dance will be held at the City Hall Auditorium. Refreshments will be available. There is a $3 cover charge.

Pumpkinfest closes out Sunday evening, September 28, with a Roast Beef/Rotisserie Chicken dinner at the Bessemer VFW, from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each (under 10 - $5) and can be purchased at the door. The dinner is open to the public and takeout is available. Bluegrass favorite Up North Connection returns to provide entertainment. A silent auction will be held throughout the dinner.

At 6:00 p.m., we will draw the 50/50 raffle winner and silent auction winners will be announced.