by Mike Conroy
Get ready. Get set. Race! Or roll straight, sideways, fast, leisurely or however gets you to the finish line first. It’s time for residents, families, neighbors, groups and organizations to begin planning their pumpkin racers for Montgomery Village’s Great Pumpkin Race, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14!

Each year the racing and the decorating become more competitive, and this year is expected to be no different. Families, individuals, local dignitaries, groups and organizations are encouraged to build a pumpkin racer for the race, which caps off the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Fall Festival. Participants will have time before the single-elimination heats to test and tune their racers for optimal performance. A limited number of race kits will be available both at the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road ($15), before race day, and at the festival on race day (limited quantities); pumpkins not supplied. For instructions on how to build a pumpkin racer, see page 9; complete rules are available at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

Before the races get underway, all are invited to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Fall Festival, beginning at 11 a.m. in the North Creek Community Center parking lot, 20125 Arrowhead Road. Listen to live music from rock band “45 RPM,” play children’s games, ride the rides, get your face painted and purchase delicious festival food, all in one place.

Once again, a shuttle will bring festival-goers from the MVF Office and the Church of Latter-day Saints parking lots all day. Pumpkins will also be judged for Best Decoration, Most Innovative Design, Funniest, Scariest, Best Disguised, Best Animal Look-A-Like, Best Cartoon Character and Best Themed Pumpkin Racer and Driver Duo—creativity counts! Also this year, the Frederick Keys mascot, Keyote, will be visiting to take pictures with fans and race his very own pumpkin!

If racing pumpkins is not your thing, try baking with them and enter the Pumpkin Treat Contest. This contestant-friendly event has just two rules—entries must include pumpkin in the recipe and be baked. Awards will be given for two age groups, 15 and Under and 16 and Over. Entry registration and submission will take place at North Creek Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Vendor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are also still available! Get your business in front of Montgomery Village residents, and join in the racing action. For more information, call 240-243-2359 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join your friends and neighbors for fantastic fall fun on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road. For more information, call 301-948-0110, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.