PHILADELPHIA – The first PumpkinFest comes to Franklin Square on Saturday, Oct. 29 (with a Sunday, Oct. 30 rain date). Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the nonprofit manager of Franklin Square, hopes to raise the funds needed to keep the square a delightful outdoors experience in Old City Philadelphia.
“Fall is a gorgeous time of year in Franklin Square, decorated with pumpkins, corn stalks, and other fall favorites, and,” said Amy Needle, president and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., “we welcome families to enjoy a lovely fall afternoon while also helping this nonprofit maintain and program the square year-round.”
Some of the park’s amusements are already decked with fall Halloween themes. The miniature golf course transforms into Spooky Mini Golf on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in October. Tickets are required on this course, complete with lights, fog, and interesting surprises. Plus, children, can enjoy Trick-or-Treat Trail on October weekends. Youngsters, after making their own trick-or-treat bags, are encouraged to follow the trail map for free candy from the Hershey Company on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. And if the craving for sweets lingers, they can enjoy the Shake-of-the-Month, tasty pumpkin pie, at SquareBurger, brought to the park by noted restaurateur Stephen Starr.
An added attraction is the free Pumpkin Patch. On Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23, visitors can pick out a pumpkin, decorate pumpkin it, and take their creation home free of charge. Pumpkin decorating returns the following Saturday at PumpkinFest, which runs from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Advance tickets for PumpkinFest cost $35 per person or $125 per family 4-pack. Admission on the day of the fundraiser increases by $5. Admission fees include: pumpkin painting, face painting, cupcake decorating, fall carnival games, seasonal treats from SquareBurger and Starr Catering, and acess to raffles and prizes.
PumpkinFest is totally about family entertainment. Expect to see and hear, with the admission fee, award-winning, family-style music by Two of a Kind and tunes from the inspirational Philadelphia School of Rock. Kathy O’ Connell, WXPN personality from Kids Corner, hosts a costume parade. Chad Juros presents his signature brand of magic. WordGirl from WHYY and Winston Justice from the Philadelphia Eagles are also scheduled to appear.
The festival offers all of that plus unlimited rides on the Liberty Carousel and a train ride on the miniature Lighting Bolt express.
Franklin Square is an urban park in historic Philadelphia at 6th and Race streets. Its hours of operation vary by season. For hours this month through Janunary 2 (weather permitting), see the following:
- Month of October: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Nov. 25 - 27, Dec. 3 - 18, Dec. 24, and Dec. 26 - 30: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Jan. 1 - 2: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
SquareBurger hours match park hours with the exception of October when SquareBurger is also open Mondays – Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Watch for holiday specials later in the year, obtain more details on current events, and purchase advanced tickets at http://historicphiladelphia.org or call 215.629.4026. Another option is the ticket counter in the Historic Philadelphia Center to find information and purchase tickets not only for PumpkinFest but other Historic Philadelphia attractions: the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling and Adventure Tours, and Lights of Liberty. The center is located at 6th and Chestnut streets.
For those unable to experience the PumpkinFest fundraiser, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. welcomes donations and corporate sponsorships throughout the year.
All rights to article reserved by Gloria Blakely. Copyright 2011.
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