Jack-o’-lantern artists and pumpkin-growing aficionados will be out in full force Oct. 16 as the Vancouver Island Exhibition hosts its fourth annual Pumpkin Festival.
Taking place at Beban Park’s agriplex from noon to 4 p.m., the festival includes a largest pumpkin contest with a $1,000 first prize, a children’s costume contest, pumpkin carving and decorating, a farmers’ market, concession, face painting, crafts and music by the Wellington Secondary School band.
Hayrides are $2 or free with the purchase of a pumpkin for $6.
For more information, please call 250-758-3247, e-mail info@viex.ca or go to www.nanaimopumpkinfestival.com.