For the past 10 years, The Williams Company Store in Ottertail has been carving up fall fun for families at its annual Pumpkin Festival. The event is back this Saturday, October 16 from noon to 4 p.m.
This year will have all the same fun including pumpkin carving, face painting, grilled brats, horse-drawn buggy rides, live music and more, according to store owner Pam Williams.
"It's a really fun day, and all of the proceeds go to charity," she said. "The kids can carve their pumpkin and take it home to have for the season."
There is no admission fee, but free will donations will be accepted for each activity. All proceeds will go to Friends of Friends Fighting Hunger in Ottertail County.
The organization has created a new backpack program, which is where the funds from this year's Pumpkin Festival will go. Money collected is used to purchase backpacks for kids in need in Otter Tail County communities.
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The organization hosts an annual fundraising dinner and dance with the next event set for January 29, 2011 at Thumper Pond.
Past organizations that have benefited from the Pumpkin Festival include Habitat for Humanity and the Ottertail walk/bike path, which construction is expected to begin on next year.
The Pumpkin Festival typically brings in about $2,000 each year, Williams said. The store has raised $15,275 in donations and more than 1,350 pumpkins have been carved since starting the festival in October of 2001, Williams said. She invited young and old alike to her store, located at 101 West Main to the one-day fall celebration.
Live music will be performed by Detroit Lakes native Mike Hokanson inside the store until 3 p.m. Buggy rides will be provided by the Lion's Club and Shady Oaks Riding Stable, and pumpkin desserts made by the ladies of the Methodist church in Ottertail will also be on hand.
Frankenstein, himself, may even make an appearance, Williams said.
