Sheridan begins a new pumpkin tradition with festival

The City of Sheridan is going to host its first pumpkin festival with hopes to begin a new tradition and help the environment. 

Sheridan City Councilman Jacob Martin told listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program he got the idea for the festival from citizens. 

City Utilities Director Dan Roberts and Recycling & Solid Waste Coordinator Seliena Parker were on board with the plan. City Council adopted a resolution that designates Saturday, Nov. 6, as the day for the inaugural festival. 

Roberts and his team did the math, over 30 tons of pumpkin waste produced by Sheridan could potentially be diverted from the landfill every year. 

According to Martin, the festival will feature games that will use the city’s old pumpkins, such as pumpkin sling-shots, pumpkin smashing, and pumpkin ring-toss just to name a few. Residents are encouraged to bring all of their pumpkins to the festival. 

After the event the city will use the pumpkins in the green waste program as compost. For those who may not have pumpkins, Martin said not to worry, there will be plenty at the festival to enjoy.

For residents who are unable to attend the festival but would like to recycle their pumpkins, there will be a drive-up option available to drop their pumpkins off to be used by attendees. For others who cannot make the event at all, Parker told listeners to drop them off at locations in the city. The city will collect pumpkins Monday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 7, at 1261 Highland Ave. and 165  E. Brundage Ln.

Sheridan’s first Pumpkin Festival will begin at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m, Saturday, Nov. 6, at Blacktooth Park.

City officials report openings for food vendor opportunities during the festival. If you would like to join the fun and provide some food for the first Sheridan Pumpkin Festival contact Seliena Parker at 307-674-8461.