Pumpkin Days, this weekend in Orient, aims to be a family affair offering fun for all

ORIENT — Brad and Becky Kramer, members of the Pumpkin Days Planning Committee, are inviting everyone to come early, stay late and have a good time at the celebration this weekend.

The phrase was found on an old advertisement that was found for the festival from many years ago, and they felt it still sticks today.

“Whenever Brad and I plan anything we just want to make sure everyone who comes has a great time, and that’s what we’re shooting for this year,” Becky Kramer said. “There’s not been a lot to do this summer, we went ahead with Pumpkin Days and want to make it so everyone can come, have a great time and enjoys themselves.”

The final schedule for Pumpkin Days can be viewed on the event’s Facebook page.

Friday night is the Orient Development and Improvement Annual Dinner, Pumpkin Days 5K Run/1-Mile Walk, carnival rides and food truck vendors, the Orient-Macksburg FFA Bags Tournament on the slab and a performance by the First Name Band.

Saturday morning’s festivities include the Orient Firemens Breakfast, the Orient Womens Club Sand Volleyball Tournament, a vendor fair, carnival rides, Pumpkin Cooking Contest and the Chicken and Noodle Dinner.

In the afternoon Saturday are the Orient Men’s Club Golf Tournament at Pine Valley in Creston, Tall Corn Contest, Orient Men’s Club Youth Pedal Pull, Cow Pie Bingo, a 4 p.m. parade, United Methodist Church Barbecue Dinner west of Frederick Real Estate Services, Beer Garden, Kids Pie Eating Contest, a performance by Red Dirt Renegade and fireworks by Top Notch Fireworks.

“We’re trying to make it a little more family oriented during the day,” Becky said. “We’re trying to have a lot more things for the kids and families to do throughout the day.”