RUMFORD — Downtown Rumford doesn’t resemble Sleepy Hollow from Washington Irving’s famous short story from the late 1700s.

But on Saturday afternoon on Oct. 20 during Envision Rumford’s first annual Rumford Pumpkin Fest on the Island, Irving’s Headless Horesman will ride down Congress Street chasing Ichabod Crane.

It’s one of many events being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the downtown island between the Androscoggin River and canals.

The day starts with a Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion on upper Congress Street.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a gymnastics obstacle course and free face painting at the Greater Rumford Community Center.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a Pumpkin Painting Contest drop-off for ages 3-8 and ages 6-11; a Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off for ages 13 and up; and a Pumpkin Dessert Contest drop-off.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be an apple cider demo and tasting; free wagon rides around the island; free face painting; and free children’s pictures at the Ink Plaza as The Great Pumpkin.

Events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. include a 50/50 raffle; a classic car show; a National Guard Game Truck; the Band of Gypsies Toy Drive, a Med-Care Ambulance and the Mexico Police Explorers Hummer on display.

From 11 a.m. until they’re gone, there will be a $5 Cookie Walk.

Gary Petrie and Jamie Virgin will provide music from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by DJ Brian from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Additionally, WOXO will be broadcasting live.

Bartash’s will also have a ski swap and Black Mountain ski area season passes. Island restaurants will also have special offerings.

From 1 to 2 p.m., a Scavenger Hunt will be held. And as Town Manager Carlo Puiia put it to selectmen Thursday night, the festival’s “piece de resistance —  the Pumkpin Seed-Spitting Contest — to see how far you can spit pumpkin seeds.”

Although that will be held from 3 to 4 p.m., registration to compete will be held all day.

“It looks like (the festival) is going to be an interesting event at this point,” Puiia told selectmen and the public. “They’ve lined up a great day for Rumford to enjoy some fall festivities and I hope people come down and support them.”

Should inclement weather occur that day, Puiia said many of the events will be held in Rumford Falls Auditorium.

“The Pumpkin Seed-Spitting Contest?” Selectman Brad Adley asked to laughter from the audience.

“We’ll put a tarp down,” Puiia quickly said.

[email protected]