Pumpkin festival returns to Battersea

Catherine Reynolds | Oct 04, 2017

It’s the pumpkin party of the year.

Sitting on her front porch with a smile in late September, 25-year-old Amanda Pantrey of Battersea seems happy to talk about the most popular event in her community.
“It’s almost time for the 23rd annual Battersea Pumpkinfest,” confirms the organizer. “The festival is an amazing day of affordable family fun. It covers most of the village and includes games, wagon rides, live music, food and locally produced items. It’s an incredible celebration of everything this community has to offer.”
To be held from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Oct. 14, the Battersea Pumpkin Festival is a celebration of the fall harvest. It is organized and conducted by volunteers.
“I’ve always felt Battersea is a unique community,” admits Pantrey thoughtfully. “There is a tradition here where neighbours still help neighbours.”

Located 15 minutes from Kingston between Loughborough and Dog Lakes, the sleepy village comes alive every October to host one of the best events in Frontenac County.
“The Pumpkin Festival creates a strong sense of pride and celebration in our community,” admits Pantrey, who has been volunteering almost from its inception. “The streets and park are filled with laughter and fun.”
A member of the organizing committee for the past four years, Pantrey is excited about a few new attractions this year to complement family favourites.

“New this year is The Not So Amateur Amateurs.. They’re bringing their costumed crew to do face painting, balloons and a bouncy castle,” she confirms.

Also new this year is a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 am to unveil four new play structures in the park next to the Battersea Ball Diamond where the festival is held.
“It’s going to be nice when it’s done,” says Pantrey who has helped fundraise for more than a year to purchase the new structures. “The equipment is going to last years and years. It will be used in the community for a long time.”
Admission to the Battersea Pumpkin Festival is $5 per person or $20 for a family.

The day starts with a parade at 10 am (assembly at the ball diamond begins at 9:30 am) and ends with a pie eating contest at 3:30 pm. Highlights include pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, rides on model trains and a pie social at the church.
“Come-out to the country and enjoy a day of wholesome family fun,” says Pantrey. “There’s something for everyone. You won’t be disappointed.”

For more information about the Battersea Pumpkin Festival, contact Amanda Pantrey at 613-483-1176 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also find the festival on Facebook.