PumpkinFest
PumpkinFest is an annual, family focused festival sponsored by the Pony Express Museum. Continuous entertainment for adults and children takes place both on stage and on the grounds of Patee Park, across from the museum. Children's activities include crafts and games, a wandering magician, a balloon man, storytelling, and much more. Several food vendors are also on site. The highlight of the celebration takes places on Friday at 8pm, when over 800 hand-carved pumpkins will be electrically lit on "Pumpkin Mountain" in front of the museum. A special lighting will also occur at 8pm on Saturday.
Regarding Covid-19
PumpkinFest 2020 will not happen on grounds at the Pony Express Museum but the PumpkinFest Committee will be offering free pumpkins, a virtual costume contest, and a virtual Pumpkin Mountain.
PumpkinFest Virtual Costume Contest
PumpkinFest 2020 will not happen on grounds at the Pony Express Museum. The PumpkinFest Committee has a new and exciting way to connect: a virtual costume contest! Click the image below to see this year's winners!
PumpkinFest Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Sponsored by St Joseph Hy-Vee and Midwest Central Outdoor.
Prizes awarded by Bolin Hydraulic, Ken Smith Autobody, C & M Business Machine, St Joseph News-Press News-Press NOW.com, Uptown Cheapskate, Rhea Lana’s, ReeceNichols Ide Capital Realty, LLC, and Valvoline Express Care of NW MO.
Financial assistance provided by the St. Joseph, Missouri Visitors Bureau.




1st Place Winner
Amy Tye with Watch Out
2nd Place Winner
Katerina Moyer with Thestra
3rd Place Winner
Christopher Richardson with Pennywise