For 17 years, the Norwich Pumpkin Festival has celebrated all things pumpkin within a family-friendly atmosphere in downtown Norwich. Thumbs up to the dozens of volunteers who help make this happen. It’s no secret that volunteers are becoming more and more difficult to come by; yet the fine folks of the Pumpkin Festival Committee have donated their time and efforts to carry on a tradition in Norwich that I think helps bring the community together. What’s more, an additional thumbs up for the decision to move the event closer Halloween. While I applaud efforts to attract a larger crowd (and nicer weather) by holding it a few weeks earlier in recent years, it’s just not Pumpkin Fest unless it happens in late October.

– SM

Thumbs up to the Blarney Stone Pub in downtown Norwich for bringing back an open mic to a community ripe with musicians and performing artists. If you missed it, and evening full of several performers – young and old – from all points of greater Chenango County came out to share their talents and socialize in an open and relaxed atmosphere. More importantly, the mixed audience of regulars and some who came out just to watch were especially attentive, making nervous artists feel right at home. It felt more like a kitchen party than anything else. Overall, the night was a success, and I look forward to attending the next monthly event in November.

—MSW

Thumbs up to the Norwich Pumpkin Pub Crawl happening this weekend as part of the Pumpkin Festival. After speaking with Tyler Oliver, the person behind organizing and maintaining this event, it is obvious that he has put a significant amount of thought and work into the idea and event itself. This Pumpkin Pub Crawl givings young adults a great way to participate is and give back to the event, by celebrating with your friends and having a little fun. People should remember that you must be 21 or over to participate, and by purchasing a wristband for only $10, you will recieve an orange Pumpkin Fest mug, along with different discounts and drink specials from each of the bars in downtown Norwich. I suggest people take advantage of this event and help it continue to grow.

–CT

This will be short and sweet. Thumbs down to those who believe that things are “free.” This includes college and healthcare. Someone will be footing the bill. Personally, I don’t believe in stealing money from some to give to others. I believe in kind folks and donating when they have extra, but government forced theft via taxation in order to provide college to all Americans does not make the college “free.” I could continue to spout logic about failures in the understanding of basic economic principles here, but I’ll spare you. Just a simple thumbs down to those who believe anything comes “free.”

–ARB