Essex Parks and Recreation

Announcements & News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival Returns for its 25th Year!
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | Ivoryton Village Green

Celebrate fall in full festive spirit at the 25th Annual Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 25, 2025! This beloved community event draws over 1,500 visitors to the Ivoryton Village Green for a fun-filled day of FREE activities for all ages.

From autumn traditions to Halloween fun, the Pumpkin Festival has something for everyone, so come in costume and get into the spirit! Returning this year is the ever-popular Costume Parade, open to all but geared toward children 12 and under. Parade kicks off at 4:30 PM from the corner of Walnut and Main Street and travels through the heart of the village.

🎃 Pre-Festival Fun

Start your day early with a Pumpkin Carving Party hosted by Bushy Hill Nature Center from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 253 Bushy Hill Rd., Ivoryton, CT. All ages and skill levels are welcome to carve a pumpkin that will be featured in the festival's evening Pumpkin Stroll.
Special thanks to the Essex Police Union and Bushy Hill Nature Center at Incarnation Center for providing pumpkins.

🎭 Festival Highlights (Starting at 5:00 PM):

Live Music by The FEDERATION (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
Face Painting by The Painted Smile at Brickside Pizza’s side patio
Tarot Card Readings & Tabletop Games by House of the Triple Moon
Cookie Decorating with volunteers from Tri-Town Youth Services at the Village Green
Horse-Drawn Hayrides (Not-so-scary!) sponsored by the Park & Recreation Commission
Haunted Happenings at the Ivoryton Library (for those who dare!)
Trunk or Treat sponsored by The Ivoryton Alliance
Free Refreshments along Summit Street (while supplies last), courtesy of local nonprofits

🎃 The Great Pumpkin Challenge

We invite families, community groups, businesses, and organizations to bring carved pumpkins to the Ivoryton Village Green between 12:00 – 2:00 PM. All pumpkins will be displayed during the Pumpkin Lighting at 4:30 PM, which will remain lit throughout the evening.
Pumpkins must be picked up by 9:00 AM Monday morning.

👻 Registration & More Info

Costume Parade registration: www.essexct.recdesk.com – click the “Programs” tab.
Questions? Call 860-767-4340 x148 or visit www.essexct.gov for updates.

Join us for a magical evening of lights, laughter, and Halloween fun at the Ivoryton Pumpkin Festival 2025—a tradition that’s 25 years strong!

It’s hard to believe how fast this summer flew by, but we’re so thankful for every moment shared at Essex Park and Recreation Summer Camp.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this camp season such a huge success!

To our campers – your energy, laughter, and curiosity lit up every day.

To our incredible staff and volunteers – your dedication, creativity, and hard work made everything possible.

To the families who trusted us – thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s summer journey.

And to our community partners and supporters – we couldn’t have done it without you.

This season was filled with new friendships, exciting adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime. We’re already counting down the days until next summer!

With gratitude

Mary Ellen Barnes and Tim LaChance