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Date: 10/6/2023
WESTHAMPTON — Featuring a range of activities for attendees of all ages, the Westhampton Fall Festival on Oct. 15 looks to entertain everyone who visits.
“We have many events that are held each year and then each year we have a goal of adding a couple of new attractions,” said Morley Cleary, organizer for the event. “This year, especially in the hope of having more events for teens, we have added a potato cannon event and firefighter’s brigade.”
Some returning favorites include the hay maze, skillet and sledgehammer toss competitions and cow pie bingo. Festival goers can also view blacksmith demonstrations and fiber spinners while listening to live music.
In addition to the 5K race, this year organizers have added a bicycle race that follows the same route and ends with a hill climb up Tob Bill. The race generally draws between 30 and 50 runners, who have pre-registered or register on the day of the race. This year, Westhampton resident and DJ, Tito Colon-Garcia, will play music during the race as they start and as they end. All proceeds from the race go back to the event.
The highlight of the day is the pumpkin roll. Pumpkins can be purchased for $1 or earned by completing a scavenger hunt put on by the Westhampton Elementary School PTO.
“The roll is kicked off by local resident and musician, Jim Armenti, leading the group in the singing of The Great Pumpkin Roll, which is a song he wrote specifically for this event,” explained Cleary. “Then we have kids, by age group, give their pumpkin a roll and follow their pumpkin down the hill to see which one goes the farthest.”
The whole day is geared toward creating a fun, affordable and family-friendly event at a minimal cost for those families.
“We do charge for food and drinks and some activities but we are mindful of keeping the prices where people can come and enjoy the full experience,” said Cleary. “There’s a lot to do, see and enjoy without spending any money.”
The food selection is wide, including hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as french fries, doughnuts, pulled pork sandwiches and desserts.
Eighteen years ago, Bill and Janice Tracy created the festival as a fundraiser for a new library. The event was such a success that it has continued since.
“The Friends of the Westhampton Library and Westhampton Elementary School PTO co-sponsor the event with help from a lot of other volunteers and community groups,” said Cleary.
The Fall Festival will take place in Westhampton Center on Sunday, Oct. 15. Most activities begin at noon and wrap up with the pumpkin roll at 4:15 p.m. The 5K race starts at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. Free parking is available at Hampshire Regional High School.