NORWICH – October is steadily drawing to a close and the weather has taken a significant turn for the worse which can mean only one thing: It’s time to carve out the jack-o-lanterns and tote them down to the park in downtown Norwich for the Pumpkin Festival.

Pumpkins can be registered all day Friday and until 6 p.m. on Saturday. Pumpkinfest itself will be open Friday and Saturday to conclude at 8:30 p.m. with the official pumpkin count and a fireworks display.

Now entering its 13th year, the Norwich Pumpkin Festival has always been an opportunity for Chenango County residents to come together and celebrate autumn’s return.

This year will be no different despite difficulties caused by the September floods, said event coordinator Pegi LoPresti.

“Our biggest problem was finding pumpkins,” said LoPresti, who explained that a wet spring and severe flooding had limited the supply. Those that were available were much more expensive than previous years, leading the event committee to cancel the community pumpkin carving tent.

“We’re relying on the public to bring their own pumpkins for everyone to enjoy,” said LoPresti.

Despite the absence of the carving tent, LoPresti assured that there would still be many activities for families to enjoy throughout the weekend completely free of charge. Entertainment, fall food, the YMCA parade and two haunted houses are just a few of the options the event has to offer.