Volunteers needed for 28th annual Pumpkinfest

Sep. 13—Pumpkinfest organizers are calling for community volunteers to help make the event, and the iconic Pumpkin Mountain, come to life.

This year's event will run Oct. 4, 5 and 6 at the Pony Express Museum and Patee Park. The St. Joseph staple of Pumpkin Mountain will be lit at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday to unofficially kick off the Halloween season.

The costume parade begins 11 a.m. Saturday, and prizes will be handed out to the winner of the children's costume contest. Participants should meet at 10 a.m. in the Patee Market parking lot.

Local performers will also keep the vibes high throughout the celebration, including the Phil Vandel Band, Will Stuck storyelling, BJ's magic and plenty of other talent.

Various vendors will be joining in on the fun throughout the weekend as well, including food trucks so guests can grab a bite.

Organizers need some help as they prepare for the event. The projects include gutting and carving the pumpkins that will be used to construct the Pumpkin Mountain.

Anyone interested in volunteering will go to the Pony Express Event Center at 1220 S. 10th St. starting Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to gut pumpkins. Pumpkin carving will continue until through Oct. 3.