Friends prepare for 16th Annual Pumpkin Festival
By Nora Cardec

Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library and organizers of the annual Pumpkin Fest from left are Katy Sutton Brown, Debbie Moylan, Christy Doody, Mary O'Friel, Kay Kenney, Tricia McPherson, with her son Evan; Debbie Morse Ladue and Michelle Alfond.

JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

Cooler temperatures, as well the leaves changing colors announce fall, but also announce, for townspeople, the annual pumpkin festival and craft fair,.

This marks the 16 year of the now traditional event organized by the Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library. This year it will be held Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Common.

"It's the biggest event in the community run by the Friends of the Library," said Katy Sutton-Brown, event coordinator.

As in past years, the family event will feature baked goods, crafters, live music, fire truck and ambulance tours, games, face painting, food and plenty of pumpkin contests.

This year the festival will also include hay and pony rides, storyteller and children's book author, Emily Chetkowski; and a pumpkin-rolling contest for children.

"It's highly anticipated," said Michelle Alfond, another member of the Friends of the Library. "I think the children really look forward to the event each year."

The annual pumpkin-decorating contest will provide more opportunities for children and families to participate. Categories will include children: ages 5 and under; ages six to nine; and ages 10 to 15 and then one for families.

The food will be provided by various nonprofit organizations in the community including the Girl Scouts, the Ashby Historical Society, the Masons' Square and Compass Club and the Congregational Church.

Sutton-Brown said everyone is excited about this year's event given the funds raised will go toward the programs and activities of the new library, which is set to open Oct. 15

In the past, the Friends of the Library have raised from $2,000 to $4,000 from each festival. The money raised has always gone back to the library including the donation of the reference section at the new library, said Sutton-Brown.

"The best thing about the pumpkin festival is that it's a community event run by the friends," said Debbie Moylan, member of the Friends of the Library and of the festival organizing committee.

In case of rain, the event will be held Oct. 8 from 12 to 4 p.m.