Pumpkin Racing and Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner Will Be Highlights of “Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days” This Weekend
Everything’s coming up pumpkins Saturday at Summerville Main Street’s first ever Pumpkin Palooza and Great Pumpkin Derby! This celebration of the beloved symbol of fall, the pumpkin, will be held at the Summerville Depot, located at 119 East Washington Street. Hours for the event will run from 10:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Vendors will be on hand with a variety of pumpkin products, such as pumpkin pies, breads, and more. Also, food, craft vendors, and inflatables will be on site for the public’s pleasure. There will also be a scheduled arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train at 1:00 p.m. to be followed by the turning of the Summerville Turntable. A highlight for the day will be The Great Pumpkin Derby, scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. on East Washington Street in front of the depot.
The Great Pumpkin Derby
The Pumpkin Derby is a unique race featuring handcrafted, decorated pumpkin racers battling head-to-head for the coveted Pumpkin Derby Championship Trophies and cash prizes. Anyone can enter to race. Youth and Adult Divisions will be offered. Trophies sponsored by Summerville Main Street for 1stthrough 3rd place will be awarded in both divisions. Chattooga FFA will sponsor prize monies in the amounts of $50 for 1stplace Youth Division, $25 for 2nd place Youth Division, and $10 for 3rd place Youth Division. The races will be fun to watch but it’s even more fun when you’re completing.
What Is A Pumpkin Racer And What Are The Rules?
Pumpkin Racers are vehicles constructed from one pumpkinwith independent axles and wheels. Pumpkin racers come in all different shapes, sizes, and speeds. The Official Pumpkin Derby Rules have been established to inspire good old-fashioned American ingenuity, promote fair play, and ensure that all participants have a good time. All Pumpkin Derby Racers must design and race their pumpkin racers according to these rules to ensure that the race is fun and fair for everyone.
1. Pumpkin Derby Racers must be crafted using a single, whole pumpkin. (While it may be hollowed out, it must retain its pumpkin shape.)
2. Pumpkin Derby Racers must be created by inserting two independent axles through the pumpkin, with wheels attached to the axles.
3. Pumpkin Derby Racers shall not attach pumpkins onto a prefabricated chassis of any kind (skateboard, stroller, Tonka truck, etc.).
4. The total weight of a Pumpkin Derby Racer (pumpkin, decorations, wheels, etc.) cannot exceed 25 pounds. Your pumpkin racer will be weighed before it’s allowed to race.
5. NO EXPLOSIVES or PYROTECHNICS will be allowed.
Registration time for the race will be 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the Main Street registration booth, located outside of the Summerville Depot. The Chattooga FFA will be on site selling pumpkins for those interested in constructing a racer on site. A limited number of pumpkin racer kits will also be offered at the registration booth beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon to rent for $5, or purchase for $15. A representative from R Creations will be available to assist with assembly of the kit.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Bring you decorated pumpkin, or come purchase a pumpkin and decorate it on site to enter the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Register your pumpkin at the Main Street registration booth between the hour of 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon for judging at 12:15 p.m. Winners will be announced at 12:45 p.m. and pumpkins will remain on display until 2:30 p.m. for the public’s enjoyment.
Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner At The Depot – October 20
Step back in time on Sunday to a slower pace of life and enjoy an “Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner” at the Historic Summerville Depot. Servers and staff will be dressed in old fashioned attire for the day and event goers will have the opportunity to enjoy an “Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner” while enjoying live Bluegrass and Gospel music by Chip Rowland. The meal will be served by Sweet P’s At The Tavern at the cost of $8.00 for a meat and 2 vegetables, or $6.00 for a 4 vegetable plate. Bowls of pinto beans and cornbread will also be offered at the cost of $3.00.
An arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and a turning of the Summerville Turntable will also be featured. Other vendors will be on site for those wishing to shop. This event will operate from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.
For more information on “Steam Into Summerville Railroad Days’ or other downtown Summerville events contact slocklear@summervillega.org.
