Havana hosts 10th annual Pumpkin Fest
November 8, 2009
- All proceeds from the festival benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
About 15 minutes outside Tallahassee rests the quaint town of Havana, which recently hosted it’s 10th annual Pumpkin Festival Saturday, Oct. 17. The celebration took place from 8 a.m. though 6 p.m.
Activities of the Pumpkin Festival included a Pancake breakfast for early risers from 8 to 10 a.m., a 1 mile fun run/walk, hay rides, and face painting. The Gadsden County Humane Society hosted a costume contest for dogs in which the winning dog received a trophy with a dog print on it. The Humane society also held a bake sale booth with treats for dogs and their human companions.
“The shelter does not receive any tax relief from the city of Havana, the county, or the federal government,” said Billie Blaine, a volunteer for the Gadsden Humane society. “All money comes from donations and membership. That’s why fundraisers and events like this are so important” a
The number of animals the Gadsden County Humane Society takes care of is an especially large number considering there is no physical shelter. All of its animals are housed in foster homes until they are adopted.
“There are approximately 90 cats and 20 dogs in the program up for adoption,” Blain said.
Other activities at the festival included pony rides, a mechanical bull, clowns and a fortune teller.
“This is the first year I’ve done fortune telling and I absolutely love it,” said Mary-Ann, the fortune teller, who owns a booth in The Trading Company antique store in Havana. “I am going to suggest that the Pumpkin Festival does this every year.”
Story telling took place at the pumpkin patch and Havana’s local children’s book author, Regina N. Lewis, was present at the Pumpkin Festival to promote her books.
“My books are intended to address social issues,” said Lewis. “As a nurse practitioner, I have seen a lot of things and I think teaching children good values in an educational way is important.”
Her first book, The Smallest Toy Store, is set around Christmas time and focused on homelessness.
The pumpkin patch was put on by the town of Havana, Fla with special contribution from the Kellum’s who held the pumpkin patch outside of their store. The pumpkin patch was complete with a decorative red barn with Halloween characters on the side and colorful paint available for people to decorate their newly purchased pumpkins.
“Proceeds from the Pumpkin Festival would go to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.” said Betty Kellum, owner of Kellum’s Fine Furniture. “This is our tenth year having the Pumpkin Festival. It’s a great way for people to come and visit our town.”
Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes line the ground.
The town’s welcoming nature and fall festivities helped make the Pumpkin Festival. The celebration boasted a wide range of activities and food available. Havana’s 10th annual Pumpkin Festival provided yet another year of fun for everyone.
Photos by Mollie Coffin, Yeti Photographer
