Thousands arrive in Laconia for annual New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
In Laconia, jack-0'-lanterns come in all different shapes and sizes. Some big, some small, some with funny expressions and others are a little spooky. Each one is a puzzle piece to the state’s largest celebration of the pumpkin.
"We're having an incredible New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival here in downtown Laconia,” said Joannie Haight of Lakes Region Chamber.
The organization puts on the street festival every year.
"Great crowds, great entertainment and incredible food,” Haight said.
“A little breeze last night, but it's turned out to be a pretty sunny day in the lakes region today," she continued.
Gary Glaude, owner of The Glaudefather Airbrushing, painted famous faces of movie characters and zombies on his pumpkin display.
"I do freehand airbrushing on them. I draw it out first then I just paint each one. Each one takes about four or five hours,” explained Glaude.
The family-friendly event started on Friday and wrapped up Saturday night. It offered entertainment for all ages as including a pumpkin cook-off.
Local resident Katie Dawson took home the top prize for her pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
"I entered this year because I like to support local things, and I won!" Dawson said.
The event attracts thousands of tourists and locals who show up to see the main attraction. A 34-foot tower filled with jack-o’-lanterns.
"The display is wonderful. The weekend is great. It's just great to see people down here having fun,” said Annie Bridgeman of Laconia.
Judy Grobbler traveled from South Africa to New Hampshire and made sure to put the Pumpkin Fest on her to-do list while visiting family.
"It's beautiful. We don't have anything like this at home. With change in leaves and the cold. We don’t have the cold,” Grobbler said.
The large crowds also bring a boost to area businesses.
Derek Hartshorn, owner of Absolute Barbecue, was busy making pulled pork sandwiches for festival-goers.
“Big turnout up here. Beautiful weekend. Couldn't have had a better weekend,” Hartshorn said.