To celebrate the 10th year of the Norwich Pumpkin Festival, event organizers have added more entertainment and events than ever before.
Entertainment at the Pumpkin Festival, held on Friday and Saturday, will begin on Friday evening. “We’re starting out with a little more stuff this year,” said Entertainment Chair Marilyn Oliver. “Because this is our 10th year, we’re having more entertainment than we have in the past.”
Singers John and Kaitlyn Jackson, the father/daughter duo from Unadilla Valley, will kick off the Pumpkin Festival entertainment at 4 p.m. Although the Jacksons are a local group, this will be their first appearance at the festival. The duo sing an array of different types of music, but focus mostly on country and teen-pop.
At 5 p.m., a Pumpkin Festival favorite will take the stage. Fritz’ Polka Band has appeared at the festival every year, and this year the tradition will continue. “Fritz always brings in a big crowd,” Oliver said.
The Bruce Beadle Band will conclude the entertainment on Friday night. Made up of members from Norwich and Binghamton, Bruce Beadle, Mike O’Conner, Jeff Kilmer and John Stark play an array of music including classic rock, country and blues.
On Saturday, the fun really kicks off with music, dancing, clowns, magic, a parade and fireworks. Dance performances by the Claddagh Ring Irish Dancers and the Donna Frech School of Dance will be held at 10 and 11 a.m., respectively.
A ventriloquist show will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Performed by Ventriloquist Sylvia Markson, the show Sylvia and the Magic Trunk introduces the crowd to a variety of characters. At 12:30, the Amazing Meldini will perform a magical show in East Park.
The YMCA’s Halloween Parade will be held at 2 p.m. this year. Following the parade, Whoopsy Daisy the Clown will entertain the crowd in West Park while the judges make their final decisions. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the performance.
