The Dwellingup Pumpkin Festival is an example of successful funding. Photo: Jon Hewson
Camera IconThe Dwellingup Pumpkin Festival is an example of successful funding. Photo: Jon Hewson Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Dwellingup Pumpkin Festival crowds expected to pip last year’s

Victoria RificiMandurah Coastal Times

DWELLINGUP’S annual Pumpkin Festival will be the biggest and best this year, according to committee member Sharona Bower.

Ms Bower said about 15,000 people were expected to turn out for the Easter Saturday event.

“We had to cater for a much bigger audience this year but we’re still trying to keep everything affordable – you still only need a gold coin donation to get in,” said Ms Bower.

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“There will be 90-plus market and food stores, which I believe are one of the biggest that’s held in the State.”

The festival, in its 22nd year, will be home to family fun activities including country baking, plenty of food options, a circus show and workshops, laser tag, bouncy castle, face painting, live music all day, mini golf, giant chess, a reptile display, and a silent auction.

“We have the Grand Weigh Off Competition involving giant pumpkins and other home-grown large, weird and wonderful produce,” Ms Bower said.

“A couple of new contestants have entered the pumpkin competition this year and we have a local who may possibly have a new record pumpkin.”

This year’s Pumpkin Jam busking event for under-18s only will focus on showcasing young talent in Dwellingup.

“We have 12 entrants in the busking event, all performers and their talents are incredible – they will compete for the $300 prize,” said Ms Bower.

“Mandurah Music School will perform a massive showcase of The Greatest Showman and the MoreDidge Brothers will play from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, featuring their blend of didgeridoo and dance music.”

Ms Bower said to help aid the influx of crowds, street closures have been issued for the event.

“Street closures this year will help make the event bigger than last year, as it was very crowded previously – we’ve changed it around a bit,” she said.

Ms Bower said the event would be about creating affordable entertainment for families.

The festival will take place at Dwellingup Primary School on March 31 from 10am to 4pm.

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