NH Region to Offer Its Own Pumpkin Festival

The Keene Pumpkin Festival has moved to Laconia, New Hampshire, but another festival is planned in the region.

The Monadnock Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There's a "Great Pumpkin Mile" race, a children's costume parade, a pumpkin catapult contest, and other attractions. Carved jack-o-lanterns will be displayed on pumpkin towers across the festival.

In Laconia, "Pumpkin Festival 2015" will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 24, featuring train tours departing from the city's station, in addition to games, food and activities.

The festival was held in Keene since 1991, but last year's event turned violent, with alcohol-fueled parties nearby leading to injuries, property damage and more than 100 arrests. The Keene City Council rejected a permit for 2015.