On Oct. 15, crowds gathered to enjoy local art, music, food, and drinks at the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Live music entertained attendees throughout the day as thousands stopped by art vendors, carved pumpkins, and enjoyed the festive cuisine.
Each year, the size of the festival increases and grows even more popular. Since its debut in 1971, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival has attracted various families, artists, and musicians in the Bay Area and has become as much of a fall tradition as pumpkin patches and Halloween.
Visitors lined up for an array of unique pumpkin dishes, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin curry, and even pumpkin mac and cheese. For many visitors, the pumpkin, music, art, and festivities blended perfectly.
“We really liked the music,” said festival goer Daniel Klear as he held a bowl of pumpkin mac and cheesed. “We were rocking out. There’s just something about [Coast Tribe] that makes you want to watch the whole thing.”
While many children enjoyed the fun festivities, ranging from pumpkin carving to pie eating contests, some were more interested in the art and music.
Many danced and cheered as their local band, Coast Tribe, played a collection of original songs.
For Kate De Palma, owner of the San Jose based company Scented Designs, her memories of the festival as a child drove her to pursue her passion in candle making.
“It’s my first time coming to the festival as a vendor. I use to come all the time with my mom to shop,” Palma said. “It’s super exciting, seeing all [the artists] is what made me want to start the business.”
Over the last couple of years, the amount of art featured has increased with over 250 artists displaying everything from glass pumpkins to woodwork and more.
“We love to bring our [glass pumpkins] out here and share our creations with people who appreciate them,” said Treg Silkwood of Silkwood Glass. “It’s fun to see their faces light up when they see all the work we’ve done.”
Although the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival has officially ended, Half Moon Bay’s pumpkin season is not over yet as there are plenty of pumpkin patches for families and pumpkin lovers alike to spice up their fall while supporting local farmers.
