'Pumpkinfest in Disguise' to Take Over Zeeland This October

Zeeland, Mich. - The countdown is on for Zeeland's Pumpkinfest - Celebrating community, family fun, and fall activities for over 30 years. The theme for 2016 is "Pumpkinfest In Disguise!"

Pumpkinfest is a two-day event that features a number of free and low-cost events that can be enjoyed by all ages. This year's festival is Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th. This is a shift from Pumpkinfest's traditional three day schedule.

The inspiration behind this change is in effort to pack the festival with non-stop fun and excitement. Moving from a three-day event to a two-day event will allow organizers to eliminate gaps in the schedule, alleviate some of the inconveniences that street closures and parking restrictions have on downtown businesses and, most importantly, focus on increasing participation and excitement during event hours.

Pumpkinfest enthusiasts can purchase event merchandise, including collector's edition longsleeve and short-sleeve Pumpkinfest t-shirts as well as insulated travel mugs. Profits from merchandise sales are used to support future Pumpkinfest activities. These items can be found at the Pumpkinfest Information Tent, which will be located, during the festival, in front of 130 E. Main.

For the second year, Pumpkinfest has partnered with the Holland Area Arts Council to coordinate a community art centered project known as Pumpkinfest Avenue Art. Pumpkinfest has invited the community to join in the celebration by participating with Pumpkinfest Avenue Art to express their creative talents. Anyone was welcomed to participate. Local artists, schools and community groups joined in the celebration by creating their own totem-like structure featuring their interpretation of this year's theme of Pumpkinfest "In Disguise."

Pumpkinfest is excited to feature a fun place for kids to be creative, learn and play - KidZfest. Within the KidZfest area, families will discover, bounce houses, petting zoos, stage performances, pony rides and more. KidZfest will be located on Church St. just south of Main Ave.

The community is invited to gather Friday, October 7th for Dessert on Us - a celebration of community and a complimentary donut and cider. Dessert on Us will replace the event formerly known as Dinner on Us. A sweet treat, combined with an evening of family activities, including the Kids Tractor Pull, hayrides and KidzFest events, will make for a see, and be seen community event that you won't want to miss.

The much anticipated Pumpkinfest Parade will grace city streets Saturday, October 8th at 3pm. The parade will feature marching bands, horses, walking groups, tractors, and of course floats featuring this year's theme "Pumpkinfest In Disguise." The Parade Route is as follows: West on Main Ave. from Centennial St. to State St., South on State St. to Central Ave., East on Central Ave. ending at Maple St.

The complete Pumpkinfest schedule can be found on www.pumpkinfest-zeeland.org.

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