Downtown Franklin celebrated the 37th annual PumpkinFest™ presented by FirstBank on Saturday, October 29, 2022. An estimated more than 112,000 guests attended the festival which stretched along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin. The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County-produced event that is hosted by the Downtown Franklin Association featured entertainment, food, vendors, and costume contests. Originally conceived to attract guests to experience the shops and ambience of downtown Franklin, PumpkinFest™ stands alongside Main Street Festival and Dickens of a Christmas as cherished annual traditions. These festivals trigger a significant economic impact for the region.
Bari Beasley, CEO of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County said, “Locals and visitors from all over attended PumpkinFest this year and it was the largest crowd we’ve attracted for the event, with more than 112,000 in attendance. It’s so rewarding to know that the Heritage Foundation continues to create ‘small town’ experiences featuring our own local talents while also attracting a worldwide audience. We want to thank all of our volunteers who worked tirelessly to set up and manage this extraordinary fall festival, as well as our incredibly generous sponsors, including our presenter, FirstBank.”
Additional PumpkinFest™ activities included:
- 150+ Arts and crafts vendors
- 30+ Food vendors and street food vendors
- Kickoff greeting from Miss America Emma Broyles
- Live entertainment with Main Stage sponsored by School of Rock, and an Acoustic Stage sponsored by Lipscomb University
- Kids Zone sponsored by Grace Chapel featuring carnival activities, inflatable games, and more!
- Costume contests for pets and families sponsored by Jackson
- Whiskey Lounge by Leiper’s Fork Distillery & Beer Garden by Bavarian Bierhaus
- Downtown Franklin Rotary Chili Cookoff
- Franklin Theatre Football End Zone sponsored by Mercer Advisors
- Autumn Alley with:
- Old fashioned games
- Guess the weight of the “Great Pumpkin”
- Extreme pumpkin carving
- Photo opportunities around the square
Photos by Kris Rae and Ryan Jason:
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