Published: August 06, 2009 12:00 am      

Sponsors, Vendors needed for PumpkinFest

Organizers of the Cooperstwon PumpkinFest are getting into the full-swing of planning the annual event, thanks to a dedicated committee of Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce staff, board and volunteers.

PumpkinFest Weekend, now in its sixth year, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. Festivities will again take place in the heart of baseball’s favorite village.

Saturday’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off in Doubleday Field lot is held in collaboration with the New York State Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Association.

Following months of meticulous care, giant pumpkins are trucked in from points across New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania for the weigh-in and contest on Saturday.

Sunday’s featured event is the Giant Pumpkin Regatta at Lake Front Park.

This is an unique and fun event for participants and spectators alike. While pumpkins are being prepared for paddling, spectators can enjoy a noon performance of the American roots band “The Horseshoe Lounge Playboys,” sponsored by the Cooperstown Concert Series.

In addition to the above features, organizers say PumpkinFest will offer a myriad of family-fun activities as well as vendors, exhibitors and food booths throughout the weekend.

Event sponsors and participants are being sought to support the continued operation of the event.

“We’re looking for our Great Pumpkins, but also for our Pumpkin seeds,’’ said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Susan O’Handley, referencing the terminology for this years sponsorship spectrum.

``Events like Pumpkin- Fest have a tremendous potential for positive impacts, certainly in regards to our economy, but also for our community pride and spirit.

We look forward to strong support, excellent publicity and a recordbreaking turnout for this year’s event,’’ she added.

For more information, contact Susan O’Handley at Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce at 547-9571 or go to www.cooperstownchamber. org.