SANFORD — Fall means crisper temperatures, colorful falling leaves — and pumpkins, of course.

On Saturday, Sanford celebrates the fall season with the Great Pumpkin Festival — a free afternoon of fun amid the colorful foliage around Number One Pond.

Those who want to get into the spirit a bit early may do so on Friday, by carving jack-o-lanterns that will be put on display at Gowen Park —the Great Pumpkin Festival is inviting all residents, businesses, groups and organizations to bring a pre-carved jack-o- lantern to Gowen Park Friday and Saturday and they’ll be lit up both evenings.

Organizers say the “Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular”  is another events designed to help celebrate Sanford’s 250th anniversary. People are invited to stop by, admire the pumpkins and enjoy apple cider doughtnuts and  apple cider and admire the handiwork. For more information on this event, call 752-1963.

Events at the pond start at noon Saturday. There will be a scarecrow contest, pumpkin catapult, carved pumpkin wall, vendors, crafters, a giant pumpkin weigh off and a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Maine Attraction Water Ski Team will perform on Number One Pond at noon.

A car show is set for noon to 3 p.m., the giant pumpkin weigh off is set for 1 to 4 p..m., and the pumpkin catapault is from 2 to 6 p.m. There is a kid’s zone from noon to 6 p.m. with games, crafts and more.

There will be music dance performances.

The pie eating contest starts at 2:20 p.m.

There will be an adult division for those ages 15 and older and a youth division for children ages 10 to 14. Six contestants in each division will be chosen for the pie chow down.

Each division will be split into two groups of three adults or three youth contestants, and compete. Then, the top two winners in the youth division will have a pie eating “run-off,” as will the two adults. The final winner in each category will win a prize.

Those who want to be considered as contestants can register by emailing their name, age and phone number to the Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce at: ricks@metrocast.net or drop by the office at 917 Main St. by 9 a.m. by Thursday, Sept. 27.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 282-1535 or twells@journaltribune.com.