BOYKINS
Looking forward to Saturday, it’s supposed to be sunny with temperatures in the 70s. If that holds, it’ll certainly make for a perfect day in Boykins at this year’s Pumpkin Festival, said Co-chair Eric Coard.

“This is a family festival,” added Boykins Mayor Spier Edwards. “It is oriented a lot toward the children, and I understand from a lot of the parents that this is one of the nicest festivals that we have in the area.

“I hope everyone just comes out and enjoys it.”

They’re also offering plenty for the adults, though, of course, children will probably enjoy these things too. Three of these attractions will be new, the first being live music all day at The Cumberland Millwork Stage featuring new bands; an antique car, truck, bike and tractor show; and a $450 Bingo raffle at the main stage on Main Street.

Food and crafts vendors will also be back, including some new ones. At this point, Coard said, there are 40 vendors signed up for spaces. People can also bring in pumpkin items they baked to be judged from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

There will also be plenty to do for the children. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a petting zoo, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be pony rides, hay rides, and new this year, train rides. Bounce houses and other inflatables will also be present from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Face painting and temporary tattoos will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And then there will be several things that the whole family can enjoy, such as cookie and cake walks; guessing contests involving pumpkin weight and number of seeds; and a talent contest starting at 5 p.m. Coard said so far 10 people have signed up, but more can do so at www.boykinsvirginia.com.

If the weather cooperates, Coard said he’s looking for it to be big. With the marketing, including The Tidewater News, WLQM Real Country 101.7 and then Facebook reaching thousands of timelines, he said he’s hoping for a record crowd.

“It grows a little every year,” Coard said. “It’s a good fun, family entertainment day. I think we’ll have a good crowd this year.”

Edwards said he was looking forward to it.

“The children are always really excited for it because of the hay rides, face painting and different things,” he said. “I look forward to everyone coming out and enjoy it.”

For details, visit www.boykinsvirginia.com or like them on Facebook at the Boykins Main Street Initiative.