West Virginia’s Pumpkin Festival in Milton- October 4th – 6th
Milton has hosted the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival in Pumpkin Park since 1996. The popular festival celebrates the glory of autumn and the harvest. The festival was created to help local farmers raise and sell their pumpkin crops. For 32 years now the Pumpkin Festival has put the spotlight on local pumpkin growers and the town of Milton.
Each year more than 50,000 people travel to Milton to participate in the annual Pumpkin Festival. Guests come from all around the mountain state as well as surrounding states to celebrate fall in true mountaineer fashion.
The Pumpkin Festival will be held this year on October 4th-6th. The festival offers a cultural array of activities, food, vendors and more. This year more than 100 skilled artisans will be selling their one of a kind wares. There will also be several special exhibitions including apple butter making, blacksmithing, pottery making, quilting, and woodworking.
Scheduled events for the festival include:
Great Lakes Timber Show
Don’t miss the Great Lakes Timber Show; this favorite lumberjack show will feature ax throwing, chainsaw carving, horizontal wood chopping, log rolling and lots of laughs. The Great Lakes Timber Show has been showcased at County Fairs, State Fairs, Theme Parks and Sport Shows all across the United States for more than 20 years.
Muttville Comix Show
Johnny Peers puts on a show that the kids cannot get enough of- Peers joined the Rigley Clown College and graduated in 1970 earning his red nose. In 1972 he adopted his first dog. Over the years he adopted more dogs and the Muttville Comix show was born. The dogs do a variety of amazing tricks that keep the kids squealing with delight! All of the dogs in the show were rescued from shelters. Peers and his mutts have been featured on David Letterman, Regis & Kathy Lee, Primetime Live, Travels with Harry, and Seinfeld. They have performed shows all across the United States including Disneyland, Busch Gardens and Circus of the Stars.
Also making repeat appearances at this year’s festival is the Living Statue, a band of Super Heroes, and Smokey, the Bear.
Valley Exotics Zoo
The kids will love the Valley Exotics Zoo. The mini zoo isn’t just a petting zoo it’s also an educational experience. As the kids get hands-on interaction with the animals they will also have the opportunity to learn about various animals and their habitats.
Contests
This year’s festival will also feature a cookoff in the categories of cupcakes, desserts, and pies. There will also be the largest pumpkin competition. Last year a new West Virginia record for biggest pumpkin was set at the festival. A pumpkin grown by Robert Cyrus of Fort Gay weighed in at a whopping 1,412.5 pounds!
Festival Dates and Costs
Festival dates are Oct 4th, 5th, & 6th from 9 am – 9 pm and Oct 7th from 9 am – 6 pm. On Thursday and Friday, admission is $8 and on Saturday and Sunday admission is $10. Children under five are free. Group rates are available and parking is free. For more information call 304-743-8774.
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