Families like this one will enjoy the Lima Pumpkin Festival and Agricultural Day on October 4. Photo provided by Neil Smith
BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
What weighed 1,367 pounds and got hauled into Lima on the flatbed of a trailer last fall? Some of you may have guessed already, but if not, and we added the hint that it was orange and full of seeds that would probably be enough to bring almost everyone in on the riddle. That imposing figure of 1,367 would be the weight in pounds of the winner of the “Largest Pumpkin Contest” at the 2024 Lima Pumpkin Festival and Agricultural Day.
It is truly impressive how huge this event has become in such a short time, with the initial festival occurring just two years ago in 2023. This year’s third annual festival will take place on Saturday, October 4, at the Mark Tubbs Memorial Park, 7384 Ziegler Drive in Lima from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This article was actually spawned at the Lima Crossroads Festival back in August when we spent a good block of time, talking Lima history, with Lima Mayor John Skiptunas.
We told him that if there was anything outstanding about to happen in town that we would be happy to put our spin on it for the Sentinel and before we left, we had an assignment. Neil Smith was designated as our liaison and within days a windfall of information on the Lima Pumpkin Festival was in our hands, and we were off and running writing.
Let’s start with the four-pronged mission statement of the festival. The goals are to…
* Foster Community Spirit
* Engage Families with Local Agriculture
* Highlight Lima’s and Livingston County’s Agricultural Diversity
* Financially Support Mark Tubbs Memorial Park
The attendance numbers do a fine job of illustrating the rapid growth of this festival. The original event in 2023 drew 2,000 people and last year that number almost doubled with attendance reaching 3,800+. Furthermore, many people traveled to Lima for the event with 40% of the attendance coming from outside Livingston County.
As we prepare for the 3rd Annual Lima Pumpkin Festival & Agricultural Day we wanted to share with you some of the successes of 2024, as well as what to look forward to this coming weekend. Last year funds were raised to help pay for electrical upgrades to Mark Tubbs Memorial Park, the Lima Pumpkin Festival became a tax-exempt 501c (3) organization under the umbrella of the Little Lakes Community Association in Hemlock, and the winner of the “Tallest Sunflower Contest” measured 12 feet tall as it reached for the sun.
There is so much going on at this year’s festival that our writers’ challenge becomes how to cluster the collection of included events. In the “food and drink” category, we have the “Corn Eating Contest” featuring four categories – two for kids, women, and men. Shucks, you won’t want to miss this one. You can also look forward to the Lima’s Duncan Milk Hauling sponsoring the “Milk Give Away.”
For those of you with a sweet tooth, there has been a “Calling All Bakers” challenge issued. The Lima Pumpkin Festival & AG Day is once again having a “Pumpkin Dessert Contest” which is open to all bakers. So pull out your favorite recipe & start baking. But do be forewarned, your family & friends will probably insist upon you making a few test batches.
The rules for entry are fairly simple. This is not rocket science; your dessert concoction must contain pumpkin. Dessert drop-off is from 8:00 to 10:00 AM on October 4th at Mark Tubbs Memorial Park. No pre-registration is required, there is no cost to enter, and cash prizes will be awarded.
Agricultural attractions include the Draft Horse Wagon Rides, 4-H displays, and additional local AG product vendors. As we segue from the agriculture to the children, we’ll mention Lima’s 2 Barn Farm petting zoo & pony rides.
Then as we focus completely on the kids, they can look forward to the Kids AG Activity Zone and Old Time Games.
Children of all ages will enjoy the crafts vendors, hay rides, pumpkin carving, and the delectable variety of food vendors, highlighted by HF’s Paul’s BBQ chicken barbecue. There will be music galore and if you’re feeling lucky, why not roll the dice with some raffle tickets. For all of you who love loud noises, look forward to the return of chainsaw artists Fritz & Mary Loomis, who will demonstrate some sharp skills.
As far as local events go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Admission is free, and it comes with the opportunity to experience first-hand why the attendance almost doubled last year at the Lima Pumpkin Festival and Agricultural Day. See you there!
