Come celebrate the second annual Grover Pumpkin Festival this Saturday, Oct. 27th. There is no admission charge to what is being billed as North Carolina’s newest tradition. The activities begin at 12 noon and go until 8 p.m. Entertainment includes two bands (Nantucket and Southern Experience), a dance group, and from American Idol, Emily Minor who’s now a Nashville Recording Artist. Events include the Pumpkin Wall (a wall of over 700 jack-o’-lanterns), the popular Corn Maze ($3.00 per person), a toddler Hay Maze, Pumpkin Chuckin’, Headless Horseman Carriage Rides, the Trick or Treat Trail, Costume Contests, and the crowing of the Lil’ Pumpkin Queen. In addition, there will be great food, craft vendors, special games and activities, pumpkin carvings along with contests for kids, teens, adults and pets. And you definitely don’t want to miss the popular pie eating and seed spittin’ contest. For more information visit: groverpumpkinfestival.com or call (704) 937-9986. - M.A. Andrews