NORWICH – Get out your pumpkins and start carving. Pumpkin Fest is here again. It’s that magical time of year when we try to break the world record for the most carved pumpkins in one place.

The fun will kick off Friday with jack-o-lantern carving and drop off from noon until 9 p.m. “We pick tons of pumpkins and encourage people to come down to the park and carve as many as you can,” said Festival Chairwoman Marylou Stewart. Frank Revoir and Friends will be on hand from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday to play music as the pumpkins are carved. Friday’s activities will also include the first half of the Boo Bash Scavenger Hunt - being held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - and the Wizard’s Academy will be open for children in sixth grade and below from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Arts Council, 27 W. Main St.

Saturday, the fun continues with a pumpkin bake-off, sponsored by Protel and the Soup and Sandwich Group of the Broad Street Methodist Church. Two palm readers - one in East Park and one in West Park - will be available to tell what your future has in store. A scarecrow contest will be held with cash prizes and ribbons, and the Norwich Family YMCA will host a Halloween Parade, and give prizes and awards for the best costumes.