Pie-, doughnut-eating contests on tap for city fest

Pumpkin Painting in Central Square is always a favorite at Rochester’s Annual October Festival.(Courtesy photo)

Rochester Main Street volunteers are putting the final touches on their fifth annual October Festival scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Hanson Street, Central Square and Factory Court in downtown Rochester.

This year’s event features a “Mile high Apple Pie” contest to see who has bragging rights for the best apple pie in town. Entries may be left at the Main Street Booth no later than 10:30 a.m. for judging at 10:45. Winner receives a medal and $25 cash prize.

Also on tap are a children’s squashed pie and doughnut eating contest.  Participants are asked to register at the Main Street booth on Hanson Street no later than noon. The Rochester Historical Society Museum will be open that day with an exhibit titled “What Is It?” 

October Festival is a family fun event that features games, food, entertainment, arts, crafts, demonstrations and many other activities such as last year’s favorite Pumpkin Patch and Punkin’ Painting. 

October Festival will feature two stages, one in Factory Court and the Main Stage on Hanson Street. Main Stage events include dance performances by Studio 109, Happy Times Squares, and Corinne’s School of Dance along with a Karate demonstration by Mr. B’s Tai Kwan Do. 

Dave Williams and Joel Glenn Wixson will take to the stage along with cast members from the Rochester Opera House production of “Shrek, The Musical!” The Factory Court stage will host repeat jams with Dave Williams and Joel Glenn Wixson. 

Downtown businesses participating include pizza samples at Bella Fresca, pumpkin decorating at Dos Amigos Burritos and a sidewalk sale at Second Treasures. Volunteers are still needed, and it’s not too late to enter a booth for crafts, art, food or your business. Online registration forms are available at www.rochestermainstreet.org/aboutus/forms&documents.   Free parking is available nearby at the Union Street, Congress Street, City Hall and North Main Street Parking Lots and there is no admission fee.  For more information on October Festival or to sign up to participate, please contact the Rochester Main Street Office at 603-330-3208 or email director@rochestermainstreet.org. The contact number the day of the event is 603-781-7116.   

This year’s festival is underwritten by Service Credit Union.