The 14th annual Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival will be held in downtown Elkin on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. The annual festival is one of the favorites of both residents and visitors to the Yadkin Valley as it jump starts the fall season.

The festival begins with the 5th annual pumpkin weigh in registration at 8 a.m. in front of The Tribune office on East Main Street. The weigh off takes place at 9 a.m. Divisions include pumpkins, gourds and watermelons. Last year's winner set a new state record with a 1,258 pound pumpkin grown by Rick Holder of Winston-Salem.

Dozens of vendors will line the streets offering their wares for sale. Everything from funnel cakes, pumpkin butter, pottery, jewelry, wood crafts, artworks, children's games and more can be found on the streets during the festival.

This year's festival will include even more activities for children such as the ever loved bouncy. A pie eating contest is also a favorite part of the annual festival.

More space is available during the festival for vendors in the area who would like to participate. The festival typically draws over 10,000 guests with good weather, and questionable weather has not been a deterrent to the more than 5,000 who've walked the streets in the rain.

Pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors can be viewed and purchased during the festival just in time for the beginning of autumn meals.

Live entertainment is also a favored part of the festival and will include performances from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. by Backwater, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. by GrayByrds and 2 - 5 p.m. by Big Daddy Love.

Downtown merchants will be open for customers pleasure that offer signature wines and tempting chocolates. Delicate and beautiful handmade crafts are offered by several of the downtown shops which include stained glass, quilts, hats, scarfs, and pottery. Antique lovers can stroll the aisles of the favored stores in downtown and those wishing to add a little brilliance to their life can find a wide variety of choices at the local jewelry stores. Amish products, spices and old-time bulk candies can also be found in downtown Elkin. For those who wish to have a sit down meal, downtown Elkin offers several different choices.

Admission to the festival is free. No pets are allowed in the festival area.

Vendors who wish to sell food must provide a health certificate. Vendors will be accepted through the month of Sept. as space allows.

For more information on the festival or an application, contact The Yadkin Valley Chamber, 336-526-1111.