Pennville Pumpkin Festival

The Pennville Pumpkin Festival is a lively one-day event held on October 18, 2025, at Pennville Park, 235 East North Street, Pennville, IN. This family-friendly festival features a broad range of activities including a giant pumpkin contest, parade, arts & crafts vendors, food stalls, a costume contest, kid's activities, live music, a 5K run/walk, and an antique fire truck show. The event is fully handicapped accessible.

Event Atmosphere and Surroundings

Pennville Park, the festival's site, provides a quaint small-town park setting conducive to community gatherings. The vibe is festive and communal, centered around autumnal and harvest themes that celebrate pumpkins and fall. It draws families, fitness enthusiasts, and craft lovers, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with seasonal decorations, vendors offering handcrafted goods, and live entertainment, making it warm and inviting for all ages.

Main Activities and Descriptions

• 5K Run/Walk: Starting at 8:30 AM, this is the 7th annual run/walk through town and country roads with gently rolling terrain beginning and ending at the park. Registration starts early in the morning, and post-race festivities include food, crafts, and live music. Participants can win medals in various age categories and overall divisions.
• Giant Pumpkin Contest: Showcases massive pumpkins grown locally, a highlight for pumpkin and gardening enthusiasts.
• Parade: A themed parade featuring local groups, floats, and community spirit.
• Arts & Crafts Vendors: Numerous stalls selling handmade crafts and seasonal art.
• Food Vendors: Fall-themed foods and traditional festival fare.
• Costume Contest: Encourages attendees to dress up, adding a playful, creative flair.
• Kid’s Activities: Family-friendly games and entertainment designed for children.
• Live Music: Performances that enhance the festive, joyful environment.
• Antique Fire Truck Show: A display for fans of historical vehicles and fire trucks.

Rough Schedule of Events (October 18, 2025)

• 6:30 AM: Race-day registration begins for the 5K Run/Walk.
• 7:45 AM: Registration closes.
• 8:30 AM: Start of the 5K Run/Walk.
• Post-race: Award ceremony followed by general festival activities including vendor browsing, parade, contests, music, and kids’ activities through the day, typically until late afternoon or early evening.

History and Founding

The festival has been held annually for at least seven years, growing into a signature fall event in Jay County. It began as a community effort to celebrate the fall harvest and pumpkins, gradually expanding to include fitness events, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family-oriented entertainment. Its longstanding tradition emphasizes community engagement and local culture.

Contact and Accessibility

The festival is fully handicapped accessible and offers easy public access within Pennville. Contact phone is (260) 251-1816, and the event maintains a Facebook presence for updates and community interaction.

This festival is ideal for anyone looking to experience a small-town American fall celebration with diverse activities for all ages, emphasizing local agriculture, crafts, community fitness, and entertainment.