Group hopes to bring back Keene Pumpkin Fest

KEENE, NH — Pumpkin Fest was discontinued in Keene, NH in 2014 after a large party at Keene State college spiraled wildly out of control. Three years later, a group is trying to bring the festival back.

During the weekend-long festival in October 2014, dozens were arrested at Keene State College. A car was flipped, and a fire was lit in the middle of the road. Police in riot gear used pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to control the crowd.

[ >> PHOTOS FROM THE 2014 RIOT ]

>> SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL LETTER TO THE COUNCIL

The Pumpkin Festival was discontinued following what police described as a riot, and organizers were denied a permit to continue the festival in 2015.

On Monday, a letter was submitted to Keene City Hall by the group Let It Shine. The group asked the Keene City Council to allow a smaller Keene Pumpkin Fest celebration in October of 2017. The group said it would limit the size of the festival and scale it down from previous years, having the main focus be the children of the community.

Depending on the committee's recommendation, the matter could be voted on as early as Thursday, April 20. Residents are encouraged to call their councilors and express their vote.

>> Chaos at pumpkin festival near Keene State

[ >> Students clean up after chaos in Keene, NH ]

Pumpkin Festival 2017 brought to you by the children of SAU 29 This morning, this letter was submitted to Keene City Hall for consideration by the Keene City Council. It is expected to be referred on Thursday by the Mayor to the PLD committee of the council which meets on WED, April 12. Depending on that committee's recommendation, the matter could be voted on by the full council on Thursday, April 20. Residents are encouraged to call their ward councilors to express your thoughts. April 3, 2017 Honorable Mayor and City Council, On behalf of Let It Shine, I would like to present our proposal for Sunday, October 29 th of 2017
for an event we are proud to call: "Keene Pumpkin Festival brought to you by the children of SAU29." While this proposed event is much smaller in scale, we are convinced that the message this
pumpkin festival provides might be one of its most profound. This event will be focused on the
children of SAU29, their unique wisdom and perspective, and the simple joy of carving
pumpkins. By voluntarily limiting the size of this Festival to the school system, we think this event provides
many opportunities for healing, collaboration, and celebration. Indeed, some Councilors
suggested in 2015 that LIS consider this very approach. Our estimated number of pumpkins totals around 5,000 and require a footprint limited to only
Central Square and Railroad Square. We would like to open this event to the public between the
hours of 12:00 pm and 08:00 pm. We do not anticipate the need for shutting down any streets.
We have opted to not include vendors in this year's event in order to keep the theme focused on
children, smiles, and "pure pumpkins." We are encouraged by the many improvements in Off Campus College student accountability
and a continued effort at culture change among Keene State College students. We are
convinced that many students will see this as an opportunity to live "Wisdom to make a
difference." We look forward to communicating our vision for this Festival and the unique opportunity to work
together in a spirit of collaboration as an example to our community and beyond. Sincerely, Tim Zinn 43 Grove Street Keene, NH 03431