Bradford Pumpkin Show marks 94 years of small-town celebration

Located 45 North of Dayton, the quiet village of Bradford doesn’t receive much attention from the Dayton area throughout the year. However, this coming week, Bradford will transform as the annual Bradford Pumpkin Show returns for its 94th year. Running October 7–11, the festival transforms downtown into a celebration of the community and autumn, complete with parades, contests and plenty of pumpkin dishes. 

First held in 1926, the Pumpkin Show has grown into one of the region’s premier fall festivals, drawing thousands of visitors to the streets of Bradford, a town of about 1,700 that straddles the Miami and Darke County line. Each night features a different themed parade, with floats, marching bands and local groups. Confetti, a signature tradition at the festival, rains over the crowd after most parades, coloring the streets orange and gold. 

Throughout the week, visitors can browse food stands, carnival rides and games that fill the streets of the festival. Contests include the Miss Pumpkin pageant, pie and cookie baking competitions, and the popular “Smash-a-Pumpkin” event on Saturday. The festival also features a car show, a pet and novelty parade and the Lucky Pumpkin Sweepstakes, where visitors can take home cash prizes. 

The Bradford Pumpkin Show runs Friday from 1-11 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For a full schedule of events, visit the festival’s website.