Banners, window paintings, pumpkins and other decorations fill the streets of Crete in celebration of Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival held Oct. 5-6.
Last weekend, Oct. 5-6, Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival took place in Crete’s downtown area and city park. This event is hosted by the Crete Chamber of Commerce and it is held on the first full weekend of October annually, with the main events happening on Sunday. It was open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This was the 10th anniversary of the festival.
Crete’s 10th Annual Great Pumpkin Festival kicked off a weekend full of family fun. There were food vendors, carnival games, demonstrations, a petting zoo, a zipline, a craft show, and a car show, among other fun activities for residents.
Festival setup began early in the morning, around 7 a.m., with street closures in place to prepare for the day’s events. Several Doane athletic teams were involved, assisting with both the setup and the festival cleanup, which began at 5 p.m. Doane volunteers helped move supplies and equipment, sold tickets and hosted games. Among the athletic teams that participated were the soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball and cheer teams, who also performed. Doane’s commitment to giving back to the Crete community was evident through the enthusiastic student involvement throughout the festival.
The festival featured events, food, attractions and, of course, pumpkins. To participate in the games, attendees had to purchase 50-cent tickets, which were then used to play various carnival games. There was also a great pumpkin display at 11th and Main Ave, where attendees could take pumpkins for free. There was also a scarecrow contest sponsored by Money Smarts, where several local shops displayed their decorated scarecrows. Crete’s community union shined through all shops and local businesses participating in the festival.
“Tons of people attended, especially families and children,” freshman Evan Slaughter said.
The festival successfully entertained attendees while also contributing to Crete’s local economy. It was a Halloween kickoff and a weekend full of entertainment and fun for Crete’s families to enjoy.
Some of the events for the fair included a free movie in Crete’s brand-new Isis theater, pie contests, kid’s pet parade, spooky trails and a great pumpkin smash for Crete residents to enjoy. Attendees were also able to receive pumpkin vouchers when buying tickets for the game.
At the end of the weekend, Crete’s Chamber of Commerce expressed its gratitude to the local businesses and shops that contributed to the festival’s success. Their support, combined with the dedication of volunteers, helped make the event possible, ensuring its continuation for years to come.
The festival not only strengthened the bond between Doane and the Crete community but also highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating memorable experiences for all.
