The New Ipswich AutumnFest returns Saturday, Oct. 3, with a new scarecrow building and a chance to name the festival’s new mascot, along with the usual offerings of games, vendors and food trucks.
Parks and Recreation Director Mindy Buxton said the fair at Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is expected to be bigger than ever, with more than 30 vendors committed, seven food providers and the final New Ipswich Farmers’ Market of the season.
Old favorites will be returning, said Buxton, including the bounce house, Touch-a-Truck, and the Nerf gun war on the basketball court throughout the day.
Pony rides will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the upper field. Additionally, there will be a small petting zoo with calves and piglets, and the Boynton Middle School 8th grade will be running Cowpie Bingo.
Games are ticketed, and run by community organizations and youth sports teams, which will receive a portion of the profits from the sales.
There will be a new activity added this year in which residents can build a scarecrow, dressed either in an outfit available at the festival or with clothing brought from home. Hay and building supplies will be available at the field, and the build-a-scarecrow fee is $5. Completed scarecrows will be posted around Memorial Field. Residents can vote for their favorite entries.
Visitors will also get the opportunity to meet the festival’s new mascot, a yet-to-be-named chipmunk. Voting cards will be available to name the mascot.
Music for the festival will be provided by Red Tie Entertainment and DJ Nikki Reed. Food vendors include Angry Cock BBQ, Las Lemonade, Kona Ice, Wild Bills Snow Cones and Holy Hell It’s Chili. Also available are burgers and fries from the New Ipswich Fireman Association, and Philly cheesesteak and sausage.