Chamber plans pumpkin fun with Oct. 30 Palooza

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Pumpkin Palooza in downtown Russellville Oct. 30 from 4-9 p.m., and there’s plenty of family fun on the schedule.

Food vendors will be set up, along with face painting, crafts and toy vendors. Activities include Trunk or Treat, a costume contest, pumpkin carving and painting contests, a photo booth and musical entertainment in front of the Roxy.

“The Chamber is excited to add events, contests, vendors and entertainment to this year’s Pumpkin Palooza,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley. “Pumpkin Palooza is a free event and is sure to be fun for all ages. Details and information may be found on our website, franklincountychamber.org, under the Holiday Events tab.”

As part of the event, a Scarecrow Trail is going on now. Entry forms and details are available on the Chamber of Commerce website. Cost per entry is $10. Set-up will continue through Oct. 30. First-, second-, and third-place winners will be announced at Pumpkin Palooza.

Entertainment in front of the Historic Roxy Theatre will include Cody Bowen performing at 7 p.m. and Joseph Baldwin following at 8 p.m.

Medley said there will also be a photo booth for individual, group and family photos. This will be located at the corner of Franklin Street and Jackson Avenue.

Trunk or Treat will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. It will take place on Jackson Avenue in the blocks of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce office and City Hall. Individuals or businesses that wish to set up for this should call 256-332-1760 or email info@franklincountychamber.org to reserve a space.

Costume contest registration will begin at 5 p.m. at the Russellville First Baptist Church gazebo, with judging beginning at 5:15 p.m. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. at the stage located in front of the Roxy.

There are four age categories for the costume contest, with each group having first-, second- and third-place winners. The age groups are

• Infant, birth to 2 years
• Child, 3-12 years
• Teen, 13-17 years
• Adult, 18 years and older

The pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting contest registrations will begin at 5 p.m. at the Sibley building, next to the Roxy, with judging beginning at 5:15 p.m. All entries should be carved or painted prior to registration; pumpkins are not provided. Winners will be announced at 6 p.m. at the stage located in front of the Roxy.

There are two categories, carved or painted, and each category will have a first-, second- and third-place winner.