Horse-drawn wagon rides will once again be offered during the Volant Pumpkin Festival in Lawrence County. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

VOLANT, Lawrence County — The Volant Pumpkin Festival is a long-standing community tradition.

Mary Jo Hughes, chairman of this year’s event, said that it has taken place for at least 25 years.

“It’s been going on for a long time,” Hughes said.

The event, which is free, will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Hughes said that the event could bring 1,000 people over the two days.

The Pumpkin Festival will use the entire town, both inside the stores and outdoors.

The 20-some stores in the borough will be open and dolled-up for the season.

“Everybody’s decorated,” Hughes said.

Although many festivals thrive on having a large number of vendor booths, Hughes said this event has only a few vendors, since all of the shops will be open. She said most of the vendors are ones who do not compete with those businesses.

“We try to have vendors that aren’t here in town,” Hughes said, such as someone selling apples and fresh-pressed apple cider, and a pewter craftsman selling handmade knives and jewelry.

The event also will feature:

• Horse-drawn wagon rides on Saturday for a donation

• A chili cook-off on Saturday, which benefits the Volant Volunteer Fire Company

• Amish doughnuts, ice cream and baked goods on Saturday

• Live music

• Children’s activities

Hughes said that the event is family friendly and has enough activities to appeal to a wide audience.

Fall fruits, such as apples and pumpkins, are popular. She said many people like the wagon rides, and children enjoy decorating pumpkins.

Or visitors can just sit, relax and listen to the musical acts.

“Enjoy the fall atmosphere,” Hughes suggests.

Parking is free and will be available in several locations in the borough. Streets will remain open through the weekend.