WAYNESBORO – Families gathered at Pine Hill Recreation Area on Saturday for Buttonwood Nature Center’s fifth annual Pumpkins & Pippins Fall Festival, a fundraiser celebrating the fall season with pumpkins, apples and outdoor activities.
The event, held from noon to 4 p.m. at 12684 Mentzer Gap Road, drew visitors supporting the center, home to The Institute for Natural Learning. Organizers described it as a community gathering focused on environmental education and fun for all ages.
Highlights included a kid zone with yard games, a StoryWalk hike and activity trail, and a photo stand. Pony rides, provided by Serendipity Horse Meadows Farm, offered memorable experiences for children. Sugar Hollow Farm Alpacas made an appearance, allowing visitors to interact with the animals.
Additional attractions featured a pie walk, a pumpkin patch, and a decorated pumpkin contest.
A major draw was the trebuchet pumpkin launcher, a volunteer-built replica of the medieval catapult. The device hurled pumpkins through the sky throughout the day. Volunteers researched the devices thoroughly to create an authentic working model.
Live music from Mountain Air filled the air with acoustic contemporary folk and pop tunes. The GRID Tractor Club from Quincy displayed antique tractors, while craft vendors sold various wares.
Food trucks served lunch, and a bake sale featured homemade desserts. Pumpkins and cider were available for purchase.
The decorated pumpkin contest offered a $100 prize for winners, with official rules posted on site. Organizers invited attendees to participate in support of Buttonwood Nature Center through the fall celebration of Pumpkins & Pippins.
The festival underscored Buttonwood’s mission to foster environmental stewardship through programs like outdoor adventures, nature workshops and community events.
