Giant Pumpkin Contest
Weigh ins for the Giant Pumpkin Contest at the 2017 Spencer Fair will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday September 1st. The first prize winner will receive $300 and his or her pumpkin will be on display for the duration of the weekend. Spencer Fair dates back to a small agricultural display curated by a local farmer in 1883. Since then, the legendary celebration has blossomed into an annual showcase of outdoor entertainment.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Beginning in September, families can pick their own pumpkins at local farms like Tougas of Northborough where Farmer Mo’s patch boasts pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, available through late October. Visitors can enjoy a wagon ride, explore the barnyard, and let loose on the playground while they’re at it. Just west of Worcester, families can pick their own pumpkins at Heifer Farm in Rutland. Heifer’s Global Harvest Festival on September 30th and October 1st will also include hay rides, live music, and farm animals.
Carved Pumpkin Festival
When it comes to admiring carved pumpkins, nothing tops the grounds of the EcoTarium at 220 Harrington Way in Worcester. Great Pumpkin Nights will take place from 6-9 p.m on October 19th-22nd and October 26th-29th. This all-ages Halloween spectacular features over 3,000 pumpkins lit up in stunning displays. Friendly Halloween costumes abound for Trick-or-Treaters and enthusiasts alike. In its 14th year, Great Pumpkin Nights has evolved into the biggest Halloween celebration for families in Central Mass.
Pumpkin Pies
And, if you’d rather eat pumpkins than marvel at them, you can pre-order your pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving at Crust Artisan Bakeshop. Baker, Alexis Kelleher is the designated bread provider for a number of local restaurants, but her shop on Main Street is also open to the public, serving up irresistible seasonal treats everyday of the week to take home.
The Regional Environmental Council is also a “pie-oneer” when it comes to holiday baking. Participants of the YouthGROW urban farming team will prepare a pre-ordered 9 inch pie with organic and local ingredients for just $25 with priority for those who order by November 1st. Vegan crusts are even available upon request.
PYO Pumpkins - and Apples Too!
Meadowbrook Orchards in Sterling offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to pick apples and pumpkins yourself, or simply enjoy the fruits of Meadowbrook’s labor from the deck, which offers stunning views of rolling farmland. A farm store, bakery, and restaurant stay open year round. Have a slice of homemade pumpkin pie with a steaming cup of coffee and soak up the foliage.
Legend has it that each year, The Great Pumpkin rises out of the most sincere pumpkin patch in all the land. We’re convinced that no one beats Central Mass! Partake in a few of these fun events and you’ll see why.
