PUMPKIN DAYS FESTIVAL IN EAST ILIDŽA BRINGS TOGETHER RECORD NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS

The festival “Pumpkin Days – Fair of Food, Drinks, Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship,” organized by the citizens’ association “Probudi se” (“Wake Up”) from East Ilidža, was officially opened today in East Ilidža. It has been noted that the event grows more successful each year, attracting an increasing number of exhibitors.

PHOTO: Ustupljena fotografija

Mayor of East Ilidža Marinko Božović told Glas Srpske that the Municipality of East Ilidža is the general sponsor of the 12th “Pumpkin Days” festival, as it has been for all previous editions.

“This is truly a manifestation that has become a recognizable symbol of East Ilidža — one we are very proud of. It vividly and authentically showcases the work of our citizens. It’s also an opportunity to host various associations, as well as our friends from Kikinda,” Božović said.

He added that East Ilidža maintains excellent cooperation with the town of Kikinda and that representatives recently attended the 40th “Pumpkin Festival” (Dani ludaje) in Kikinda.

“Our goal is to organize our festival here in East Sarajevo in a similar way to how it is done in Kikinda,” Božović emphasized.

According to Roksanda Mičić, president of the “Probudi se” association, this is the 12th edition of “Pumpkin Days,” and she expressed joy that the event was blessed with good weather.

“We have a full-day program starting with a parade of preschoolers and first and second-grade pupils. The procession goes along ‘Miodrag Lazić’ promenade, through ‘Serbia Square,’ past ‘Zlatno Zrno,’ the high school, and the library, before arriving at the ‘Bingo’ square. There, children perform songs, dances, and recitations, along with performances by the dance studio ‘Orion,’ ballet group ‘Art Orna,’ and the Secondary Music School,” Mičić explained.

The official opening ceremony was scheduled for 12:30 p.m., followed by a folklore program lasting until 2:00 p.m., when the pumpkin weighing contest and selection of the largest and smallest pumpkin took place.

At the same time, the jury toured the stands to select the most beautiful display and best pumpkin dish, while a knitting competition was also underway.

Mičić added that a literary and art contest had been organized earlier, and the winners were to be announced at 3:00 p.m., followed by a raffle draw at 3:30 p.m. The entire program was planned to conclude at 5:00 p.m.

The event also features a fair of fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts, with around 80 exhibitors participating this year.