TOWAMENSING TOWNSHIP -- Some families spent this Columbus Day at a fall festival in Carbon County.
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival runs weekends in September and October. But today, the festival opened for those off from work and school.
It was a busy Columbus Day this year at the festival near Lehighton. From the slides to the gourd grenade, there was something for everyone at the festival at Country Junction.
Liam Misko of Carbondale spent some of the day feeding the animals.
"Last year we fed them, my sister, it happened to her, too. It took the cone right out of her hand."
For some families, the festival was about spending a day off with good company.
"I like just watching the kids go around, picking out all of the pumpkins. They really enjoy it and they love the rides," said Jennifer Wieber of Easton.
Wieber and her family come to the festival every Columbus Day. Her brother Joseph says it's something he looks forward to every year.
"It's a family tradition, we come every year. Great selection of pumpkins and the kids rides, we do the hayride. They have a third explosion this year we go to. Food, yes food," said Joseph Wieber.
And for the kids, they say what better way to spend a day off than enjoying the sun and some rides.
"The rides are just really fun, and like, it's just like dizzy and I like that," said Roni Cohen of Allentown.
Cohen and his brother Orie tell Newswatch 16 their favorite ride is the Zipper. Flipping and turning, beats a day in the classroom.
"I don't have to work; it's a lot of fun here."
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival runs every weekend through October 27.