TURNERS FALLS — After being canceled in 2020, the Great Falls Festival will fill the village streets for the 11th time on Saturday.
Formerly held as “Pumpkinfest,” the Great Falls Festival typically draws thousands of people to Avenue A for a day of food, activities and live entertainment. This year’s event, from noon to 8 p.m., will host three stages of live music, two stages featuring various demonstrations of performing arts, and 155 vendors.
After COVID-19 put the tradition on pause in 2020, event organizer Michael Nelson is optimistic that the festival will bounce right back.
“I’m very much excited about the energy we’re anticipating seeing downtown Saturday,” he said. “Countless people were thrilled to find out the festival was coming back.”
The Great Falls Festival has been known to draw up to 10,000 people. Nelson said with people so enthusiastic about being able to “get out and do things after being cooped up for so long,” the turnout should be good.
“I think it’s safe to assume that we’re going to have a very large festival this year,” he said.
Despite being confident that the festival is primed for success, Nelson said difficulties in the planning process arose, such as a shortage of band interest, as well as pumpkins — festival staples that became scarce this year due to poor weather conditions. The festival is looking to maintain its appeal in these areas by adding a pumpkin decorating station, inviting attendees to bring their own carved pumpkins, and bringing in performers who are invested in the local culture.
“The local music scene, even though it got decimated by the pandemic, is still alive and thriving,” Entertainment Chair Scott Kuzmeskus said. “There’s a lot of talent here in a small location in Western Massachusetts. … We want to showcase local bands and give them a place to play because people missed it.”
Nelson said one of the performances he’s looking forward to most is from Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts. Ja’Duke, a Turners Falls organization that has never performed at the Great Falls Festival before, will feature young local talent acting out scenes from upcoming shows.
“They always bring the first-class entertainment with them,” Nelson said. “They don’t spare any expense when it comes to their performances.”
Another feature of the festival that organizers are excited about is the expanded beer garden, which features nine local breweries, a four-brewery increase from 2019’s event. The beer garden will be held at Peskeomskut Park.
At a time where in-person festivities have been few and far between, the Great Falls Festival looks to offer something for everyone.
“This means a lot to us and to Turners Falls,” Kuzmeskus said. “Not even just Turners Falls, but the community as a whole.”
Avenue A will close to vehicular traffic at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Guests are encouraged to bring carved and painted pumpkins beginning at 10 a.m. in front of St. Kazimierz Society on Avenue A. Masks are highly encouraged. Free shuttling will be provided from Turners Falls High School and Sheffield Elementary School from noon to 9 a.m.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers. Those interested can email Nelson at michaelnelsonmba@gmail.com.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.