WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Flying pumpkins, bluegrass music and fall activities were among the attractions at Buttonwood Nature Center’s sixth annual Pumpkins & Pippins Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The noon-to-4 p.m. event served as a fundraiser for the nature center, bringing together seasonal activities, food vendors and entertainment for all ages.
A centerpiece of the festival was a volunteer-built trebuchet designed to launch pumpkins through the air. The medieval-style device was built by volunteers who researched its design to create an authentic working model, according to Jessica Watson, Buttonwood’s assistant director and the event organizer.
The festival’s activities included a children’s zone with yard games, a StoryWalk hike and activity, a photo stand and pony rides provided by Serendipity Horse Meadows Farm. The GRID — Grease, Rust, Iron & Dirt — Tractor Club from Quincy brought antique tractors.
A pie walk, pumpkin patch and decorated pumpkin contest added to the fall offerings. A yard sale was a new feature this year, giving shoppers a chance to purchase secondhand goods while supporting Buttonwood.
The free pumpkin-decorating contest accepted carved and painted entries, with attendees’ votes determining the winners. Prizes were set at $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third.
Bluetrain Bluegrass provided live music. The band’s repertoire includes traditional bluegrass, country, pop selections and bluegrass and Irish instrumentals. It has performed at venues across Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Maddie Ann’s Kitchen and Chedda Mac’s food trucks offered lunch, while a bake sale featured homemade desserts. Pumpkins, apples and cider were also available for purchase.
The announced craft vendor lineup included Burn One Down, Ceramic Arts Center of Waynesboro, The Cosmic Rhythm, The Crafted Glade, Crowned Crane Ceramics and Slate Painting by Janet Young.
The festival combined outdoor recreation and seasonal traditions to raise money for Buttonwood’s work.
