Headless Horseman coming to Congress Street

RUMFORD -- It was an autumn night as Ichabod Crane had just left a party when suddenly he had to flee for his life as he was pursued by the Headless Horseman, who is supposedly the ghost of a Hessian trooper who had his head shot off by a stray cannonball during the American Revolutionary War, and who rides forth to the scene of battle in a nightly quest of his head.

That scene will be recreated, sorta, on Saturday, Oct. 20, when Ichabod will be chased down Congress Street by the Headless Horseman during the Rumford Pumpkin Fest. This will take place between 2 and 3 p.m., with another mystery person to be involved in the chase.

Envision Rumford is sponsoring the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event in their ongoing effort to bring people to the downtown in the hopes they'll frequent the shops and restaurants there. Volunteers at this event, for an hour or all day, would be much welcomed. To do so, call 364-3355, ext. 221, or 364-4593.

The committee is also looking for people to make pies, cakes, cookies and muffins with pumpkin in them, to be judged at the event, according to Jim Rinaldo of Envision Rumford.

Band of Gypsies will be on Canal Street in front of Hotel Rumford. They will have a 16-foot enclosed trailer that they're trying to fill with toys and clothes for kids up to high school age. They will also accept cash donations in order to purchase items for families/children in need.

They will have raffles on items such as homemade teddy bears, gift baskets and gift certificates from local businesses. You do not need to be present to win. A volunteer will contact you if your name is drawn. In exchange for a donated item, each person will receive a homemade sweet treat as a token of BOG appreciation.

BOG member Laura Pepin noted, "We want to help support all kids and families within the community. Kids are kids, whether they're eight or 18, we want to help them. We are working closely with other organizations within the valley to get all donated items distributed. We're also working with the local schools to identify those families who may need a little boost this year."

For anyone wishing to donate or help out with their events, call Laura Pepin at 357-8731.

During the event, Ink will be offering henna (temporary) tatoos. These were popular when offered during the Relay For Life event.

Owner Chris Howe said half of the proceeds from this will go towards a benefit for Ken DeMars.

The day gets underway with a pumpkin pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. at the American Legion.

From 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., there will be a pumpkin painting contest drop off for ages 3-5 and 6-12, a pumpkin carving contest drop off for ages 13 and up, and a pumpkin dessert contest drop off. Following judging, the winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

From 11-2, there will be an apple cider demonstration and tasting, as well as face painting. Also at this time, there will be free kids pictures taken in a pumpkin hole, courtesy of Cherry in Ink Plaza.

From 11 a.m. until gone, there will be a $5 cookie walk. People fill up a bowl, choosing from a variety of cookies.

From 11-4, there will be a classic car display on River Street by the Western Maine Street Rods. During the time, the National Guard will have a vehicle open for kids games, the Junior Firefighters will take a table, Med-Care will have an ambulance on display, and the Mexico Police Explorers will have their Hummer for display.

Up until 12:45 p.m., people can take sheets on a table on Congress Street for a 10-item scavenger hunt from 1-2 p.m., with gift certificates from local businesses as prizes.

There will be registration all day for the culminating event -- a seed splitting contest. Hotel Rumford has agreed to sponsor this and will supply a trophy for the seed splitter achieving the longest distance.

There will be wagon rides offered on River street from 11-2 by Ernest Garcia of West Peru during the event. There will be musical entertainment by Gary Petrie and Jamie Virgin from 11-1, and Hot Flash from 1-3. WOXO radio will be doing a live remote. There will also be a 50/50 during this event. Also expect to see characters like the Grim Reaper and the Panda Bear wandering around the downtown at the event.

In the event of rain, activities will take in the fire station and in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.

As part of this event, there is also a "Decorate Your Store Contest."

Start decorating and be done by this Friday. Judging will take place from Oct. 13-17. A trophy will be presented on Oct. 20.