50th and France Pumpkin Festival Returns to Edina

For 30 years, 50th and France’s annual Pumpkin Festival has been turning the shopper’s paradise into a popular pre-Halloween party. Nearly 2,000 people attended last year’s event, compared to 1,200 in  2010. During the October 26 event, participating stores will open their doors for trick-or-treating from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special activities begin at 11 a.m. and include a cake walk, horse trolley, fire truck tours and face painting.“My favorite part of the event is the costume contest for kids and pets,” says 50th and France marketing director, Julie Boehm. “We love to see the kids in costumes running around.”Throughout the afternoon, judges give their top picks a golden ticket to be judged in the official contest. Winners are determined by an applause meter.