Pumpkin Fun Isn’t Just for Halloween: The Miaoli Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival Kicks Off Happily

▲The 2015 Miaoli Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival took place on June 13 and 14. (Photo / Sourced from Shangri-La Park’s official fan page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Who says pumpkin decorations are only for Halloween? This summer, Miaoli launched the vibrant and glittering "2015 Miaoli Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival" on June 13 and 14, themed “Golden Melon Paradise – Happiness GO!” The event invited couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries in the township to dress in white gowns to spread joy, and featured activities such as pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting, allowing visitors to experience the rich pumpkin farming culture of Miaoli Zaobridge.

▲The 2015 Miaoli Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival held its opening ceremony at Shangri-La Park on June 13. (Photo / Sourced from Shangri-La Park’s official fan page)

Miaoli Zaobridge is known for its abundant pumpkin harvest and is called the “Township of Happiness.” Each year, the Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival attracts many visitors. This year’s festival kicked off with an opening ceremony at Shangri-La Park on June 13. In addition to inviting local golden wedding couples to dress in white gowns and embody the image of happiness, there were also lively performances including dance group shows, clown magic acts, and dragon and lion dances. On June 14, there were Hakka song performances and indigenous cultural shows, offering a diverse and rich program of entertainment.

▲Bountiful pumpkins. (Photo / Sourced from Shangri-La Park’s official fan page)

On the day of the event, a fun game called “Pumpkin Pop Dish” was organized. Using the locally abundant pumpkins, professional chefs demonstrated how to cook a traditional Hakka dish — “Fried Pumpkin.” Visitors could take the stage to try peeling, slicing, and coating the pumpkins with flour. The prepared dishes were then shared with all participants for a delicious treat. This year also introduced brand-new DIY creative workshops for “Pumpkin Carving” and “Pumpkin Painting” for the first time, allowing visitors to engage in hands-on crafting. Participation was by reservation, with a fee of NT$50 per person, two sessions per day, and a limit of 50 people per session. Spots were limited and filled up quickly.

In addition, during the event period, residents of Miaoli County could enter Shangri-La Park for free upon presenting their ID card. Visitors from outside the county could enjoy discounted admission at NT$249 if they purchased one pumpkin at the exhibition sales area. Free shuttle buses were available during the event to transport visitors between the main and secondary venues. Everyone is welcome to make use of this convenient service.

▲The 2015 Miaoli Zaobridge Pumpkin Festival. (Photo / Sourced fromThe Miaoli Travel Enthusiasts Fan Page))