Cortland Pumpkinfest Celebrates the Harvest Season

In 1995, Cortland City Alderman Bruce Tytler came to the realization that the City of Cortland had no festival to call its own.   Marathon to the south had a Maple Festival, Lafayette to the north an Apple Festival but Cortland had zip.  Feeling there was a need to create an event that would instill some civic pride in the community and at the same time draw people to Cortland, the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest came to fruition.  15 years later it has become one of the most well attended events in Cortland County.

“I think we can say the event has exceeded our expectations”, said Jim Dempsey, one of the founding committee members.   “What we are finding now is local folks as well as an increasing number of   out of town visitors are attending the festival.  It really has accomplished what we initially set out to do.”  When the weather cooperates, as many as 10,000 people have attended the Pumpkinfest over both days of the event.

Promoted as a “celebration of the harvest season” the festival is certainly consistent with Cortland’s agricultural roots and this theme becomes apparent once you see what the Pumpkinfest has to offer. Hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet show and children’s games make it a great family outing. Over 100 crafters and a pumpkin baking contest make it a destination for Mom and if Dad needs to be convinced to attend, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, great food options and live entertainment make it an enjoyable afternoon.  With no admission and many of the activities free it can be a very affordable family outing.

As always, this years Great Cortland Pumpkinfest will take place in Cortland’s Court House Park, the first weekend in October.  Saturday’s activities start at 9 a.m and run until 5 p.m.   The Sunday schedule starts at noon with a 5 p.m. finish.  If you happen to be looking for a way to celebrate the harvest season, the Great Cortland Pumpkinfest should be at the top of your list.