Pumpkin Festival

This afternoon reached 84 degrees, abnormally warm for an Autumn afternoon in October. All that rings true about the season is the crunch and whisking of fall leaves under the car tires as you turn the tight country corners.

We headed North yesterday for the Damariscotta Pumpkin Festival and Regata. The yearly tradition of the coastal community hosts events with an obvious pattern: pumpkin. Spectators enjoy pumpkin chucking contests, giant pumpkin carving and painting competitions, pumpkin boat building, and of course plenty of eating pumpkin pies. Button up your vest, tighten the boot laces, and check out what fall in your area has to offer.

Rounding the hill provides a full view of the hustling pumpkin gatherers.

We find parking and begin taking in the work of local artisans.

The bloodshot-eyed giant reads How to Cook Pumpkins.

Autumn leaves gather on lawns throughout town.

Expert wood carvers put their tools to use on a slightly different medium.

The beginnings of what will be an award winning pumpkin.

Church in Damariscotta.

Friendly Folks, Fine Food, Fairly Fast, Frequently Fun. Sums it up simply, yet accurate.

A small home on a tree-lined street.

The most intricately carved pumpkin present.