Pumpkin Mountain will be lit up Friday in St. Joseph as participants celebrate 21 years of  Pumpkinfest.

The event opens at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13th in front of the Pony Express Museum and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15th until 5 p.m. At 8 p.m. Friday over 800 hand-carved pumpkins will be electrically lit on “Pumpkin Mountain” in front of the museum. A special lighting will also take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Entertainment for adults and children taking place both on stage and on the grounds of Patee Park across from the museum during the 3-day family event. Food will also be available in the park. Children’s activities include crafts and games, wandering magician, balloon man, storytelling, and more. Participants are urged to come see Under the Big Oak Tree on Friday evening, Knobtown Skiffle Band on Saturday evening and Steve Fuller Dixie Union Band, the Hontz Family and Stephanie Gummelt on Sunday afternoon.  The Baker Family is also returning to the event. New entertainment will be Dino O’dell, Casey’s Creatures, and Stan Rippey with Pony Express stories.

Families and children are invited to participate in the Costume Parade on Saturday morning at
11 a.m. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Patee Hall, 9th, and Olive. At 11:45 a.m., by Pumpkin
Mountain, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes for each age group.

CLICK HERE to view a complete 2017 schedule of the 21st Annual Pumpkinfest.