Lima hosted its second annual Pumpkin Invasion Festival on October 2 and 3, featuring a record-breaking pumpkin weigh-in, live entertainment, and a variety of family activities. The event, supported by the Lima Festival Amphitheater Alliance (LFAA), took place across downtown Lima, spanning from Spring and Main streets to South Central Avenue.
Justin Rose claimed the top prize in this year's pumpkin weigh-in contest, which was held on Friday, October 2. Rose's winning pumpkin weighed an impressive 1991 pounds. According to festival co-founder and pumpkin carver Shannon Gerasimchik, this year's winning gourd surpassed last year's by over 500 pounds.
The Lima Festival Amphitheater Alliance's involvement played a significant role in the festival's growth. Both Shannon Gerasimchik and co-founder Mark Goodwin stated that working with LFAA extended the festival's reach in multiple ways and helped secure a larger pumpkin turnout. Mark Goodwin, a long-time pumpkin grower, noted that he previously had to travel to Columbus for similar competitions, and he and his wife, Katie Goodwin, another festival co-founder, sought to bring these contests to Lima.
Goodwin believes that the $4,500 prize offered this year for the heaviest pumpkin contributed to drawing more competitors to the event. Tracie Sanchez, Vice President of the LFAA, commented that the alliance wanted to "help bring a cool twist to Lima" and showcase unique talent in the area.
Beyond the weigh-in, the festival offered a full schedule of activities. Saturday, October 3, featured several live music performances and a Kewpee pumpkin pie eating contest. This year's festival also showcased pumpkin carvers who have previously worked with major entities like Disney and The Food Network. The LFAA was instrumental in organizing many of the youth activities, including a train ride, a bubble run, and laser tag.
Mark Goodwin felt that the inclusion of youth activities made the festival more accessible to families. He expressed hope that increased family attendance would lead to greater success for vendors and encourage their return in subsequent years. The festival hosted a variety of food vendors, such as Naughty Lobstah from Columbus, known for its popular lobster rolls, along with Fork in the Road and The Big Loin.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to sell the larger pumpkins from the festival, with the proceeds dedicated to funding next year's event. Shannon Gerasimchik shared hopes for an exciting addition to next year's festival: a giant pumpkin smash, where larger pumpkins would be picked up and dropped using a crane.
