Great Pumpkin Festival in Marion draws 200 to VanCleave Hall

The grounds of VanCleave Hall in Marion came alive with the spirit of fall as approximately 200 people gathered for the first Great Pumpkin Festival, a free community event sponsored by VanCleave Hall in partnership with Horseshoe Farm Community Garden.

Families, children and neighbors came together to enjoy an afternoon filled with seasonal treats, music, games and hands-on gardening activities.

Attendees warmed up with hot apple cider, enjoyed delicious pumpkin fudge, and participated in fun games throughout the afternoon. Guests also had the opportunity to plant seeds to take home and continue growing long after the festival ended.

Every attendee was invited to select a pumpkin from the grounds of VanCleave Hall, paint it with their own creative touch and take it home as a keepsake from the day.

Adding to the festivities, Jason Irvin of Uniontown played live music, providing the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of family fun and community fellowship.

The success of the inaugural event was made possible by the many volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to prepare the grounds, organize activities, welcome guests and help bring the festival to life. Horseshoe Farm Community Garden team helped make the event a success.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us,” said the organizers in a statement. “Seeing children and adults enjoying the activities, painting pumpkins, planting seeds, listening to music and simply spending time together was a wonderful reminder of what community is all about. We couldn’t have asked for a better first year.”

VanCleave Hall is a historic home in Marion that was bought recently by Chris VanCleave. It was formerly knowns as the Scott-Hanna-Moore House.