Operation Pumpkin is back this weekend with more than 150 artisans and food vendors

As a Hamilton resident who's been attending Operation Pumpkin for years, it’s safe to say that this event has become one of my favorite parts of the year. Every October, the heart of downtown Hamilton transforms into a bustling, vibrant celebration of all things pumpkin, and it just keeps getting better.

This year’s Operation Pumpkin runs Friday and Saturday, October 11-12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and wraps up Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. And let me tell you, the festival just keeps growing—literally! There's even more space this year with vendors spilling into some of the side streets, which I’m excited about. The best part? It’s not just about the giant pumpkins anymore; it’s a full-on celebration for the whole family.

The giant pumpkins, of course, remain the heart of the event. I still remember the first year I saw one of those massive pumpkins and thought, “How in the world do they grow these things?” There’s nothing quite like watching the giant pumpkins get weighed in at the award-winning weigh-off, which is officially sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. I won’t ever forget 2022 when Frank Morse set a site record with a pumpkin that tipped the scales at a whopping 2,350 pounds. It was not only a record for Hamilton, but also for Michigan. This year, they’re handing out $38,000 in prize money to the top 25 growers, so the competition is sure to be fierce!

But it's not just about the pumpkins anymore. Operation Pumpkin is now one of the biggest events of the year in Hamilton, drawing over 60,000 people to the downtown area. And that’s no surprise to anyone who's been attending for years. It’s amazing to see how the festival has grown and how much the community has embraced it.

This year, I’m especially excited about the expanded lineup of vendors—there’s going to be over 150 food and artisan vendors, which means even more options to shop and eat local. It’s always a treat to grab something from the food trucks, especially when they’ve got everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to pumpkin-flavored treats. And for the kids (or the kid in all of us), the Kid Zone has more activities than ever, including free activities from local groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, the McCluskey Museum, and the Hamilton Rotary Club.

What’s really special to me about Operation Pumpkin is how it brings people together. It’s a community celebration through and through. As Jodi Fritsch, the marketing director for the event, put it, “To be able to last so long, I think it says a lot about what the community thinks about the festival and what it means to them.” And it's true—this event is more than just a festival; it’s a way for Hamilton to showcase what makes it special, all while raising money for some incredible local nonprofits.

So if you’ve never been to Operation Pumpkin before, this is the year to check it out. Whether you’re a longtime resident like me or visiting Hamilton for the first time, there’s something magical about wandering through the streets, taking in the giant pumpkins, the vendors, and all the entertainment. Trust me, it’s one of those events that really makes you proud to be a part of this community.

HOW TO GO

What: 13th Annual Operation Pumpkin Festival

When: Oct. 11 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Hamilton

Cost: Free and open to the public