In early June 1871, when the new town of Longmont, established by the Chicago-Colorado Colony, was scarcely more than three months old, word was received that Elizabeth Thompson of New York would visit the newly established town. She was bringing books, engravings, an organ, and a town bell for a library, which she declared should be “put up right off.” The early settlers in Longmont wasted little time in responding to her wishes, for Mrs. Thompson, a wealthy widow who gave generously to many causes, was one of the early benefactors of the new colony town.

The concept of Western colonization – especially when coupled with her staunch support for temperance – intrigued Thompson and made the Chicago-Colorado Colony’s efforts to establish a temperance colony a worthy recipient of her largesse. Mrs. Thompson purchased several lots, giving some away to deserving settlers, and one to the Colony for the construction of a library. The Colony founders, mindful of her generosity, would also later name a park after her.

With this generous donation, the townspeople worked feverishly to complete a sturdy frame library building topped by an imposing belfry prior to her arrival in mid-June. In less than two weeks, the building was ready, and plans were made for a gala celebration to dedicate the building and honor the donor. Because of their popularity in the East, it was decided to have a Strawberry Festival, and strawberries were ordered to be brought in by rail for the celebration.

 On Wednesday evening, June 15, almost every one of the town's 300 citizens dressed in their finest to attend Longmont’s first major social event. The evening included speeches, music, and a magnificent banquet. Unfortunately, the fresh strawberries, intended to be the centerpiece of the celebration, never arrived. This resulted in Longmont housewives having to scour their pantries for canned berries and preserves as a substitute.

Despite that small glitch, the evening was a great success, and the organ, bell, 300 books, and 3000 engravings were installed in the new building. Although Mrs. Thompson‘s only visit to Longmont was a brief one, the legacy of her generosity remained an integral part of community life for well over a decade. Citizens kept time by the bell at the library hall that rang daily. The town board held meetings at the Library Hall, as did school classes and church groups. Lively dates were held regularly in the lyceum room of the library, examining such forward-thinking issues as clean air, capital punishment, and equal pay for women. Social gatherings including dances and weddings filled the building with music and laughter. In time, the town constructed a school building and town hall, and congregations built their own churches. No longer needed as a civic and social center, the building became a private residence and later was converted into apartments. The Library Hall still stands today at 335 Pratt Street. The belfry has been removed, and a partial addition obscures the original vestibule.

One hundred years after Longmont’s only Strawberry Festival, Longmont was celebrating its centennial with parades, pageants, and other special events. In honor of the celebration, the members of The St. Vrain Historical Society decided to sponsor a special antique show and flea market to commemorate the original Strawberry Festival that had marked the founding year. Forty-five antique and collectible dealers sharing 90 tables were packed into every conceivable spot in the Memorial Building at Roosevelt Park. The 1971 event was such a success that it has been held annually since, growing larger each year, and was later moved to the Boulder County Fairgrounds.

Strawberry Festival today is not only a delightful community celebration but also serves as a vital source of funding for The St. Vrain Historical Society, a local nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the event help The Society fulfill its mission of historic preservation and education in Longmont. This support is crucial for maintaining and safeguarding the four invaluable historic properties (encompassing 15 total structures) under the Society’s care, including Old Mill Park (237 Pratt St.), "Old" St. Stephen’s Church (470 Main St), Historic Hoverhome (1309 Hover St.), and the Hover Farmstead (1303 Hover St.). As the festival continues to flourish, so does its contribution to preserving the rich heritage of this community for generations to come. To Find out More about The St. Vrain Historical Society, its work, and historic properties.

At the turn of the 20th century, communities across Colorado thrived on festive gatherings and communal celebrations. From Rifle’s Apple Day to Greeley’s Potato Day, these events drew crowds with promises of abundant food and lively entertainment. Among them, Longmont’s Pumpkin Pie Day swiftly emerged as one of Colorado’s premier public celebrations beginning its legacy in 1899.

Central to the festivities was an impressive array of free food, meticulously prepared by Longmont’s industrious housewives. In the days leading up to the event, they baked thousands of pumpkin pies using locally sourced pumpkins generously provided by John Empson, owner of the town’s cannery. On the day itself, the shaded expanse of Thompson Park transformed into a culinary oasis, where volunteers served not only pumpkin pies but also sandwiches, coffee, and cider to a growing throng of visitors.

Pumpkin Pie Day captivated attendees with a diverse program of entertainment. Each year, a spirited parade featuring bands and elaborate floats wound through the streets of Longmont. The Longmont Driving Association hosted thrilling horse races, while balloon rides and daring parachute jumps thrilled spectators. Musical performances, baby contests, and various spectacles ensured there was something for everyone. Merchants on Main Street capitalized on the large crowds with special sales, and politicians seized the opportunity to campaign among the festive throngs.

Pumpkin Pie Days popularity surged over the years, peaking in 1911 when 15,000 visitors descended upon Longmont, causing a delightful chaos in a town whose population barely surpassed 5,000. Visitors arrived by every means imaginable—from hay wagons and beet carryalls to bicycles and the increasingly common automobiles. Special trains, laden with eager revelers from both north and south, further testified to Pumpkin Pie Day’s regional draw.

However, in 1915, after a remarkable sixteen-year run, Pumpkin Pie Days vanished into the annals of history, replaced by the reorganized Boulder County Fair. Despite occasional efforts to revive the event during the 1940s and 50s (particularly amidst World War Two to boost public morale), it wasn't until 1969 that the tradition found new life. That year, the St. Vrain Historical Society breathed fresh air into the cherished celebration.

The inaugural SVHS Pumpkin Pie Day, a single-day event featuring delectable homemade pumpkin pies baked by St. Vrain Historical Society volunteers (the Daily Times-Call listed by name all the volunteer pie-bakers), took place at the St. Vrain Memorial Building in November of 1969. In 1970, a vibrant flea market was introduced to entice more visitors, transforming Pumpkin Pie Days into a delightful two-day affair.

This event has since blossomed into a beloved modern-day tradition, attracting dealers across Colorado and out of state and drawing thousands of enthusiasts from the Front Range and beyond. Amidst the allure of historical treasures, attendees continue to savor the flavor of pumpkin pies, bridging the past with the present in delicious homage to Longmont’s rich cultural heritage.

Today, Pumpkin Pie Days is not only a cherished community event but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for The St. Vrain Historical Society, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving Longmont's history. The proceeds from this event are instrumental in supporting the Society's mission of historic preservation and education. These funds play a pivotal role in maintaining and safeguarding four significant historic properties in Longmont: Old Mill Park (237 Pratt St.), "Old" St. Stephen’s Church (470 Main St.), Historic Hoverhome (1309 Hover St.), and the Hover Farmstead (1303 Hover St.). As Pumpkin Pie Days continues to flourish, its impact on preserving the rich heritage of our community for future generations grows.