BELLE FOURCHE—Take a fun fall event, couple it with beautiful weather, add neighbors, kids, costumes, vendors, and food trucks, and you just might have the largest turnout yet at the Belle Fourche Pumpkinfest, held on October 25.
In fact, according to Kristi Thielen, museum director, in all of the years she has been involved in the Pumpkinfest, this is the largest turnout she has seen. Lines were long, and more than 70 people filled the seats to watch the Tri-State Performers present their Halloween play, Very. Proper. Vampires., at the 12 p.m. showing. The long lines didn’t deter the enthusiasm and joy that the community had during the festivities.
In its 9th year, the Pumpkinfest is brought to you via a team effort between the Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center.
All children who came could pick up a goodie bag and also grab one of a variety of trick-or-treat bags to take with them as they go out to gather candy on Halloween.
A wide variety of activities and games kept families busy throughout the day. Outside, there was a bouncy house to jump in, frisbee golf to play, a Haunted Spalding Cabin to investigate, and a Pumpkin Train to ride. Inside the Visitor Center, there were crafts with Maleficent (Jada Udager), bowling, ring toss, and a spider web game—all with candy and prizes to be won.
Dinosaurs of Hell Creek Museum and the Belle Fourche Library also had hands-on activities for the little ones to explore.
Throughout the day, kids could sign up to win one of four books that were given away. Book drawings were held at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Keeping with the theme of a good turnout, the costume contest had around 25 kids show up to take part. There were awards given for the Most Original Costume, Scariest Costume, and Silliest Costume.
Of course, while kids were playing, parents and others could shop. A large variety of vendors lined the parking lot. There were food trucks offering just about anything one would want to snack on while meandering through the event. All Fired Up, Spiffy Snacks, You’Nique Brew, Mimi’s Prairie Lunchbox, Rollin’ in the Hills, and PooterQ Original Barbeque all offered food.
The play was held in the new events center for the first time, and turnout was great. There was standing room only. The play Very. Proper. Vampires. was another original work by museum director and playwright Kristi Thielen. Other museum staff helped out as well: in charge of sound and screen was Kim Reausaw; set painter was Jada Udager; and house manager and lights was Jean Maher.
The cast included: Scarlett Bercier, Miss Akasha, teacher; Ana Wyatt, Druscilla; Max Dixon, Barnabus; Natalie Venter, Tatiana; Kinnley Ogaard, Celeste; Karlie Wyatt, Fredericks; Annabelle Coffelt, Raven; Samual Savery, Wilton Zamphere, teacher; Adalyn Savery, Amaya; Katherine Fowler, Sapphira; Abigail Watson, Gussie; Melody Savery, Unity; Lux Kirstine, Esme; Alivia Allart, Mara; and Natalia Allart, Quinn.
Make plans for the Ginger Festival coming to the Tri-State Museum and Visitors Center on December 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Gingerbread Village will be on display for everyone to enjoy.
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