Pumpkin Run to be held Saturday in Upper Township

The event, dubbed the Upper Township Fall Fest and Pumpkin Run Car Show, will feature food, vendors, live music, cars, exhibits, pumpkin chucking and an assortment of motor vehicles.

Township Committeeman Hobie Young said at the Oct. 23 committee meeting that 36 food vendors and 88 nonfood vendors have registered to participate in the township-sanctioned event.

“This is the biggest event — probably by 10 times — of any we’ve ever done,” he said.

For 21 years, the car show was held on the first Saturday in November at Flemings Junkyard in Egg Harbor Township. Organizer and junkyard owner Harry Fleming said the run had outgrown the site. Police had asked him to consider arranging alternative transportation and offsite parking.

Fleming asked fans of the run to give the event a shot at the new location.

“I know the show may not be the same, as many of the attractions here at the junkyard are very unique and cannot leave the grounds,” Fleming wrote on Facebook. “But a majority of our exhibitors and events that are held here, will be at Amanda’s Field. They will be there, willing to give the event a chance. And I hope you will be too.”

“But make no mistake, our efforts will always be to bring the Pumpkin Run back home to the Junkyard,” Fleming added.

Phil Ireland has attended just about every Pumpkin Run. He said there will be some nostalgia for the junkyard, but he doesn’t think it will diminish the event.

“This should even be bigger than last year,” said Ireland, 74, of Egg Harbor Township. “They have more room to spread out.”

“It’s quite an event for parents, grandparents and children,” he added. “You never know what you’re going to find there.”

Attendees will be charged $5 for parking, and those wishing to show a car, motorcycle or other vehicle must pay a $15 fee. Proceeds will benefit the township’s recreation programs, Young wrote on Facebook.