October is Virginia Pumpkin Month

Read the news release below

They are bright, colorful, decorative, delicious and the traditional symbol of Halloween, Thanksgiving and the fall harvest. This multi-tasking beauty is of course the pumpkin and thanks to an official proclamation by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, October is Virginia Pumpkin Month and time to celebrate.

According to Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), there are many reasons to celebrate Virginia Grown pumpkins. “One of the best reasons for celebration is that the 2008 Virginia pumpkin crop is a good one. In fact, some growers report that it is one of their best crops, both for quality and quantity,” said Haymore. “As more farmers have taken advantage of the state’s favorable environment for growing pumpkins, Virginia has seen enhanced economic opportunities for many of its agricultural producers and a stronger agriculture industry overall.”

Another reason to celebrate Pumpkin Month is selection. Although producers continue to grow the time-honored favorite, the bright orange jack o’ lantern-type pumpkins, some are branching out to more exotic varieties. Shoppers can find specialty pumpkins in a wide range of colors and color combinations including white, pale green, tan, burnt orange and yellow. The surface of some pumpkins is overlaid with veining in a contrasting color for extra interest. Texture is another variation consumers seek, increasing from smooth to bumpy to downright warty. Shape is also a factor, with pumpkin profiles varying from the ideal round, to squatty with a flattened or concave top, to oval, to tall and elongated. Some pumpkins feature deep ribs that give them a scalloped appearance.

With so many to choose from, how do you select the pumpkin that’s best for you? The first rule is to pick a local Virginia Grown pumpkin. That way you know it is fresh and will maintain its color and shape much longer. In the fall, local pumpkins are available at grocery retailers, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and roadside stands. Visit a local Virginia farm or Farmers Market where you can choose your own pumpkin and have a wonderful time in the process. Find out what is available near you by consulting the Virginia Grown Guide to Pick-Your-Own & Select-Your-Own Farm Products online at www.virginiagrown.com.

Decide in advance how you plan to use your pumpkin so you can pick the best size, shape and surface for your project. Smooth surfaces are easier to paint but the craggy look can add a scary touch. Always choose pumpkins that are firm, unblemished and have a stem. To maintain freshness, store your pumpkin in a cool, dry space until you are ready to decorate or carve it. To keep a carved pumpkin looking fresh longer, rub petroleum jelly on the cut surfaces and keep it out of heat and direct sun light.

Although pumpkins are frequently used as decorations, many varieties are ideal for cooking. Pumpkins are a delicious ingredient in soups, breads, cookies and of course the traditional Thanksgiving pie. In addition to great taste, pumpkins provide beta-carotene, Vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. The fresher the pumpkin, the more nutritious elements it retains. So when you use Virginia Grown pumpkins, you are adding good nutrition along with wonderful flavor.

Many Virginia growers and groups organize pumpkin festivals and special events during the month of October. Celebrate Virginia Pumpkin Month by joining the festivities. See the list of events that follows. Also check out www.pumpkinva.org, the Web site of the Virginia Pumpkin Growers Association, for fun facts and good information about Virginia pumpkins.

2008 Pumpkin Events

Marker Miller Orchards Pumpkin Festival
3035 Cedar Creek Grade
Winchester, VA 22602
Saturday, October 25, 2008 - Sunday, October 26, 2008 (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
540/662-1391; 540/662-1980
www.markermillerorchards.com

Fall Harvest Festival and Haunted Wagon Ride
James River State Park
Route 1
Gladstone, VA 24553
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
434/933-4355; Reservations: (800) 933-PARK
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml

Fall Harvest Festival
Hunt Club Farm
2388 Londen Bridge Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Weekends October 4 – November 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
(757) 427-9520; (757) 301-2768
www.huntclubfarm.com

Belvedere Plantation Fall Festival
1410 Belvedere Drive
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
October 4 – 26: Saturdays 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, October 6, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday October 24, 5-10 p.m.
(540) 373-4478; Toll Free: (800) 641-1212
www.belvedereplantation.com

32nd Annual Boydton Day Celebration
Various locations
Boydton, VA 23917
Saturday, October 25, 2008 (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
(434) 738-0113
www.boydton.org/boydday.htm

Annual Autumn Jubilee
Main Street
Chase City, VA 23924
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
(434) 372-0379
www.chasecitychamberofcomm.com

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival
Sinkland Farms
3020 Riner Road
Christiansburg, VA 24073
October 4 – 26: Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
(540) 382-4640
susan.sink@hotmail.com

Mountain Foliage Festival & Grand Privy Races
Town of Independence
Main Street
Independence, VA 24348
October 10 - 11, 2008 (Opens: 9:00 a.m.)
276-773-9384 or Carol at 276-773-3507
www.independenceevents.com

Chesterfield Berry Farm Pumpkin Festival
Chesterfield Berry Farm
26002 Pear Orchard Road
Moseley, VA 23120
Saturday, October 11, 2008 - Sunday, October 12, 2008 (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
Market: (804) 739-9056; Farm: (804) 739-3380
www.chesterfieldberryfarm.com

3rd Annual Centerville Pumpkin Festival:
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
33 Broad Street Road
Manakin Sabot, VA 23103
804-317-7236
mary@etsy.com

Richards’ Fruit Market: Virginia Gourd Festival
6410 Middle Road
Middletown, VA 22645
November 1, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November 2, 2008, 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
540.869.1455
http://www.richardsfruitmarket.com/

Fall Festival
Williams Orchard
5175 West Lee Highway
Wytheville, VA 24382
Weekends in October, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: (276) 686-4851
www.williamsorchard.com

Family Pumpkin Activities
Layman Family Farms
1815 Mountain View Church Road
Blue Ridge, VA 24064
Weekends from September 5 – November 8
Friday 5 pm – 9 pm; Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Monday- Thursday - Church/ School Groups
www.laymanfamilyfarms.com
(540) 966-3056