Live Like a Native – The Statesville Pumpkin Fest

The Statesville Pumpkin Fest will take place on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

by Abigail Smathers | photo courtesy of Downtown Statesville/Facebook Nothing says “autumn” quite like a pumpkin. The big, orange gourd has been a symbol of the season for centuries over, and with good reason—there’s so much to do with them! From baking, to carving, to smashing, there’s no shortage of fun to be had with fall’s favorite fruit. That’s why the Statesville Pumpkin Fest is gearing up for its 19th year of celebrating the town’s history, the season’s change, and of course, pumpkins.

Hosted by the Statesville Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by local organizations, the festival features a variety of funfilled, fall-themed activities such as street decoration, games, live entertainment, food, and artisan vendors for the community to enjoy. The 2022 Pumpkin Fest will be held on Nov. 5 in Historic Downtown Statesville from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to attend (vendor goods, as well as some rides and attractions will have and entry fee). Previous years have seen turnouts of a few hundred exhibitors, and as many as 5,000 visitors from near and far.

Adults and teens will be able to participate in free games including cornhole, spikeball, crossnet, polish horseshoes, kan jam, disc golf, and bocce, while the Kid’s Zone will feature attractions for younger festival-goers. With the purchase of tickets or a wristband, the little ones can enjoy slides, obstacle courses, and a moon bounce, among other rides and activities. A classic car cruise-in will see Court Street turned into a show road for local automobile enthusiasts; from 9:30-10:30 a.m., guests are welcome to drive in with any make and model dating back to at least ‘94. Casual spectators and car aficionados alike are encouraged to join in on the fun.

Not one, but two stages will provide live entertainment by over a dozen different groups, with performances rotating every 30 minutes to one hour. The Main Stage, hosted by WAME Real Country, will feature Carolina Ridgeline, American Holler, and Red Dirt Revival. The Community Stage will be treated to shows from local organizations such as Centre Ballet, Phoenix Martial Arts, ACROFITNESS, Carolina Dogwood Queens, the Thai Kickboxing Organization, and many more!

Artisan vendors will line the streets, making Pumpkin Fest the perfect opportunity to pick up locally-made, one-of-a-kind goods. Everything from spa products to baked goods, pet wares, clothing, jewelry, fine art, and other handicraft will be available for purchase. Visitors will also find a variety of food booths offering goodies like BBQ, wings, polish sausage, gyros, steak & cheese, hot dogs, pizza, fries, funnel cakes, apple pies, and much, much more.

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All of these items can be purchased at:

Historic Downtown Mooresville 112 S Main St. | juelerye.com 704.728.9880 Facebook and Instagram @juelerye

1. Handblown Pumpkin Trio by Jack Pine $290 2. Fall Art Glass Sculptures starting at $102 3. Houston Llew Monday Triptych $3000 4. Melinda Lawton Tiger Eye Earrings $475 5. Olive & Fig Candle $48 6. Grey Moonstone Sigma Bracelet $108 7. Melinda Lawton Apetite, Peridot & Pearl Lariat Necklace $1450