The 28th Annual White Lake Pumpkinfest brought together friends and families for a day filled with seasonal festivities and community spirit. Residents and visitors alike gathered to embrace autumn with a variety of activities, local artisan goods, and plenty of pumpkin-themed excitement.
A Pumpkin Roll to Remember
One of the highlights of Pumpkinfest is the traditional Pumpkin Roll, where participants of all ages took turns rolling pumpkins down the Dowling St. hill. This year, over 1,000 pumpkins were rolled, adding to the fun as participants cheered each other on and enjoyed the good-natured competition.
Arts and Crafts Fair
The Pumpkinfest Arts and Crafts Fair showcased an array of holiday decorations, handmade jewelry, clothing, photography, wood crafts, food dips, and more. Local artisans and vendors set up shop to share their unique creations with festival-goers, offering a perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping or find a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Artisan Market, Farmers Market, and Bake Sale
Alongside the arts and crafts, the Artisan Market and Farmers Market featured fresh produce, local treats, and handcrafted goods. A bake sale tantalized taste buds with a variety of homemade treats, adding a sweet touch to the day’s festivities.
Competitions Galore
The competitive spirit was alive and well at Pumpkinfest, with several contests drawing in participants and spectators alike:
- Best Pumpkin Pie Contest: Bakers showcased their best pumpkin pies, with judges carefully tasting each slice to select the winner. Congratulations to Don Oaks for taking home first place with a standout pie. Laurel Guthrie earned second place, while Steve Lohman claimed third.
- Biggest Pumpkin Weigh-In: This year’s heaviest pumpkin tipped the scales at 840 pounds and was grown by Jon Meier, earning bragging rights as the largest pumpkin in the White Lake area. Keith Kludy came in at second and third place, respectively, with pumpkins weighing 405 pounds and 265 pounds.
- Pet Costume Contest: The pet costume contest delighted onlookers, with furry friends parading in their best autumn attire. Midnight, dressed as a flower and Bao, dressed as a bumble bee, stole the show and claimed grand prize.
- Carved Pumpkin Contest: The creativity was on full display as participants showcased their carved pumpkin masterpieces. Cindy Francis claimed the win here. Brenda Colby came in second and Karen Hubbard in third.
Family-Friendly Activities
Pumpkinfest ensured there was plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Families lined up for hayrides, pumpkin painting, and other fall-themed activities. Many enjoyed food from various food vendors and sipped cider from the cider mill.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The White Lake community extends its gratitude to the sponsors who made Pumpkinfest possible: Rant Insurance Group, Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt, Durga Insurance Group, Hope Bible Chapel, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Aludyne, MasterTag, Shelby State Bank, and White Lake Beacon. Their support helps keep this cherished tradition alive and thriving each year.
As another successful Pumpkinfest comes to a close, the White Lake area looks forward to even more fun and festivities next year. Whether it’s the excitement of the pumpkin roll, the artistry of local crafts, or the delicious taste of freshly baked pumpkin pie, Pumpkinfest truly captures the spirit of the season and brings the community together.
For more information on local events visit the White Lake Area Chamber Visitors Bureau website.
