Families are invited to celebrate fall with pumpkin painting, live music, games and more during The Great Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, at historic VanCleave Hall and the Project Horseshoe Farm Community Garden in Marion.
The free community festival will be held from 1-3 p.m. and bring together two neighboring properties for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, creativity and community fellowship.
More than 300 pumpkins will decorate the grounds of VanCleave Hall, formerly known as the Scott-Hanna-Moore House, creating a colorful autumn backdrop at one of Marion's historic landmarks.
Nationally known gardener and television personality Chris VanCleave bought the historic home in Marion over the summer.
Across the street, the Project Horseshoe Farm Community Garden will host additional festival activities, bringing together the city's historic architecture and a community space dedicated to connecting residents.
“There is something special about this time of year,” said Chris VanCleave, owner of VanCleave Hall. “Fall brings a sense of joy and anticipation as we begin moving toward Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a time when families come together, traditions are renewed, and we pause to appreciate the blessings we’ve been given.”
VanCleave said he is excited to partner with Project Horseshoe Farm to create an event where families can enjoy the season together.
“Together, we can create a place where people enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon, connect with their neighbors, and make memories,” he said.
One of the festival's featured activities will be free pumpkin painting for children and adults. Families can decorate their own pumpkins at painting stations and take their creations home.
Other activities will include live music, face painting, apple cider tasting, family games and fall-themed activities. Visitors will also have opportunities to take seasonal photographs among the more than 300 pumpkins displayed around VanCleave Hall.
Activities will be spread across the lawn of the historic residence and the Project Horseshoe Farm Community Garden, allowing visitors to explore both properties throughout the celebration.
Organizers said the festival is intended to do more than celebrate the fall season. The partnership also aims to introduce residents to two of Marion's community spaces while encouraging neighbors to spend time together.
The Great Pumpkin Festival is free and open to the public. A specific start and end time was not provided in the event announcement.
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