This year marks the 39th annual Cordell Pumpkin Festival. Starting in 1988 when it was first organized by Jack Loftiss and Zetta Penner with help from others in the community, this event has brought fun and excitement to the young and old for nearly four decades.
What is your favorite memory of the Pumpkin Festival? Is it the time you shared a funnel cake on the courthouse steps with a boy you liked, or was it putting your truck in the burnout contest to see if you could blow a tire? Whatever it is, everyone has a story about the Pumpkin Festival.
In the past there have been all kinds of events during the Festival. There was a goblin parade, where kids would dress up for a costume contest and walk around the square. In some years a small pumpkin patch was displayed under the tree on the courthouse lawn, and, of course, who could forget the Famous Bed Races. Teams of five would rush down the street with one person in a modified bed frame. That person would get out, go into an outhouse, get dressed in big old clothing, and jump back into the bed to be pushed to the end for the win.
All of these events were so much fun for the citizens, school kids, businesses, and visitors to experience.
As the years went on, the pumpkin festival changed a little, sometimes adding and taking away events, but keeping the heart of the festival alive.
This year, continuing the tradition of the Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast, Jack Loftiss Baking Contest, parade, vendors, car show, and so much more, there should be something for everyone.
For many years the pumpkin festival has been a great place to enjoy the day with friends and family. This year is no exception. Come be a part of the Historic 9th Annual Cordell Pumpkin Festival, October 10th on the historic downtown Cordell Square.