Get ready for a day of fall fun and festivities as the 37th Annual Cordell Pumpkin Festival kicks off on Saturday, October 12th from 9 AM to 3 PM. This year’s event promises an exciting lineup of activities for the whole family, starting with the famous Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at the Church of Christ on 4th and College. From 7:30 AM to 10 AM, you can enjoy pancakes, sausages, and a drink for just $10 for adults and $6 for kids (and w and under). Be sure to grab your tickets now from the Cordell Chamber of Commerce.
**Car Show & Pumpkin Baking Contest** The annual Car Show registration begins at 7:30 AM at the community center on North College. Preentry is $20 (and includes a goodie bag for the first 75 entries, with a limited-edition festival car show shirt) and day-of registration is $25. This year, participants will have the opportunity to vote for other entries outside of their class, adding a fun new twist!
For all the bakers out there, don’t miss the Jack Loftiss Baking Contest at From Scratch Bakery on the south side of the square. Drop off your pies, cakes, cookies, candies, and breads starting at 8 AM for a chance to win in one of the five categories. Best of all, it’s free to enter!
**Parade, Vendors, and More!**
At 9 AM, the fun truly begins with vendors, food trucks, and the car show opening around the historical town square. Parade lineup starts at the same time on North Temple, with this year’s theme being ‘Back to the 80s.’ Feel free to join in the parade with or without an 80s-themed entry! The parade kicks off at 10 AM, with a new route to accommodate the festivities.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute will be on the southeast corner of the square from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering a free Beetlejuice-themed t-shirt with every blood donation.
**Entertainment & Contests**
Don’t miss the ‘Back to the 80s Costume Contest’ at 11 AM on the east side of the courthouse, followed by the auto contest in the old High Plains Bank parking lot. If cars aren’t your speed, grab a seat by the stage for live music from Wesley Fite from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, and again from 2 PM to 3 PM.
One of the most fun and unique events of the day is the Cordell Bed Race, starting at 1:30 PM. Get a team of five together, pay the $50 entry fee, and race a bed through a quirky course that includes a pit stop at the outhouse!
**Movie & Burn Out Contest**
At 1 PM, the Washita Theater will open its doors for a showing of the 80s classic *The Goonies*. Tickets are only $3, so bring the whole family for this iconic movie! Movie starts at 2 PM.
To cap off the day’s events, the Burn Out Contest will take place at 3 PM on North Temple. Sign up during the car show registration for $20 per car—just be sure to bring proof of insurance!
And don’t go home too early! Stick around in the evening as the Cordell Fire Department opens its Haunted Morgue for those looking for some spooky fun.
**Join Us for a Day of Fall Fun!**
Whether you’re into cars, baking, live music, or just good old-fashioned fall fun, the Cordell Pumpkin Festival has something for everyone. We hope to see you there on October 12th for a day you won’t forget!