It’s the Great Pumpkin, Chippewa Valley! The 2023 River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival came swinging back this year on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9am-3:30pm at River Prairie Park in Altoona. There were a ton of pumpkin-related activities throughout the day including the Pumpkin Weigh-Off (the winners topped 2,000 pounds!), the Great Pumpkin Races (including a 5K, a Lil Pumpkin 1/4 Mile Run, and the Tiny Tot 75-Yard Pumpkin Trot), the Pumpkin Dessert Contest, a Pumpkin Costume Contest, and more.

One of the main draws of the event is the Ginormous Pumpkin Drop, in which a giant pumpkin filled with candy is dropped from mid-air for the benefit of candy-craving children below. It’s safe to say that everyone had a very “gourd” time.

Learn more about the event at rpgiantpumpkinfest.com.