Keene's Pumpkin Festival - October 17, 2009

Every year, tens of thousands of visitors come to see the incredible display of pumpkins, savor the smells of fall and hear the sounds of "Monster Mash" and other Halloween favorites while strolling up and down Keene's Main Street (and side streets); all brimming with lit jack-o-lanterns. What began as a small community event in 1991 with 600 carved and lit jack-o-lanterns has blossomed into a huge tradition with local residents, schools and just about everyone attending bringing at least one pumpkin to the party!

In 1993, Keene established the Guinness World Book of Records for lit jack-o-lanterns with a total of 4,817 carved pumpkins. The tally has grown nearly every year to a high of 28,952. The past few years have seen slightly more visitors (50,000-plus) and slightly fewer pumpkins. But the spirit of the community and the incredible display of lit jack-o-lanterns continues to amaze children and their parents, grandparents and friends from all over the country.

You'll find more information on the Festival's official web site here.