Preparations are well underway for the 2005 Pumpkinfest coming to Doubleday Field and Lakefront Park this weekend.

Featuring an official state pumpkin, squash and large vegetable weigh-off, giant pumpkin regatta, games, food and a variety of activity for children and adults, expectations are high that attendance will more than double last year's estimated crowd of approximately 1,200 people.

"There was a lot of excitement generated by last year's festival," said Cooperstown chamber of commerce director Polly Renckens. She said the forecast looked good for the weekend, for both the weather and the village's chances during the weigh-off.

"We're hoping that we're going to have the New York State record in pumpkins or squash or even both," she said. Last year's champion pumpkin came from Cooperstown.

The weigh-off opens the event Saturday in the Doubleday Field parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features pumpkins from across the county and state weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds. Prizes include $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place and smaller payouts to finishers rounding out the top 10.

Special prizes will also go to pumpkins grown in Otsego County with prizes ranging from $250 for first place to $25 for tenth place.

The registration fee for pumpkins is $10 and registration stops once the weighing begins at 10 a.m.

Events last throughout the day until 4 p.m. and include a farmer's market, fly-tying workshop, craft show, scavenger hunt, pumpkin bowling, magic shows at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., puppeteer shows at 11 and 2 p.m. and international pumpkin carver Patrick Moser.

On Sunday, the festival moves down to Lakefront Park, opening with the pumpkin regatta at 11 a.m. Giant pumpkins will be hollowed out and used as boats.

The events last through 3 p.m., and activities include inflatable activities for the kids, an art in the park photography and painting exhibit by area artists, pumpkin tasting and music provided by the Blue Monday Band.

For more information and a complete listing of events, call the chamber of commerce at 547-9983 or visit the website www.cooperstownchamber.org for a printable schedule.