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Pony Express Pumpkinfest
October 13, 2023 - October 15, 2023
This year marks the 27th anniversary of our popular Pumpkinfest event. Save the dates of October 13, 14, and 15, and come to the Museum and Patee Park to share the fun with the entire family!
Please visit the Museum website at www.ponyexpress.org for a complete schedule of Pumpkinfest 2023 events.
We will light up Pumpkin Mountain on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.
Some of the Main Stage lineup includes the Knobtown Skiffle Band, the Phil Vandel Band, BJ and Julia Talley’s music and BJ’s magic act, Will Stuck storytelling, Truth Academy Dancers, Tori and Avery Wist, new entertainment, and the Whensday band. Gazebo entertainment includes Creatures by Theresa, Pony Express Therapy Dogs, the Hontz family, Benton High School Orchestra, the new Young Student Entertainers, and much more! What a lineup – come and stay for a while and enjoy the festival and the entertainment!!
A big thank you to Midwest Central Outdoor for stepping up again and providing the prizes for the children’s annual costume contest and to St. Joseph Hy-Vee for once again sponsoring the annual children’s parade! As always, it will march on Saturday morning, October 14, at 11 a.m.
Please stop by and visit our many vendors during the festival, including Paul Kirkam’s Balloon Art and the High Ball Rides. Stop by and see some of your favorites from past years. We’re excited to announce participation from several new craft vendors this year – please be sure to stop in and welcome them to Pumpkinfest!
Please bring the little ones on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to the Children’s Tent for free baby pumpkins and decorations or to the Pumpkin Shop, where they can spend a little money to purchase gifts for family and friends. The Pony Express Prospectors will return this year, demonstrating how to pan for gold and other club activities all three days!
Financial assistance is provided by the St. Joseph, MO Convention and Visitors Bureau.