HARRISBURG, PA — With autumn in full swing, Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to dive into the festive season by participating in the PA Preferred® pumpkin contest, PA Pumpkin Palooza: Where Gourds Go Glam. This initiative, spearheaded by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, emphasizes the dual goals of promoting local agriculture and fostering artistic expression.
The contest shines a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s robust agricultural sector, where pumpkin farming plays a pivotal role. In 2023, Pennsylvania farmers produced over 5,400 acres of pumpkins, generating approximately 90 million pounds valued at $18.6 million. This highlights the critical contribution of pumpkin farming to the state’s economy and its $76 billion tourism industry, drawing families to vibrant pick-your-own patches and farmers markets.
“Pennsylvania has a pumpkin patch around every corner and a farmer producing the best quality products on the market,” stated Secretary Redding. He encouraged residents to “take time this fall for some fun on the farm and pick a PA pumpkin to express your creative support for Pennsylvania farms.”
The contest invites participants to transform locally grown pumpkins into artistic masterpieces, with categories for both painted and carved pumpkins. Submissions are divided into three age groups: Child (11 and under), Youth (12 – 17), and Adult (18+), ensuring inclusivity across all age ranges.
Participants can enter by submitting a photograph of their pumpkin creation, along with their details and the name of the PA farm where the pumpkin was purchased. The entry period runs through October 20, and the winners will be announced on October 31. Winning entries will be showcased on PA Preferred’s Instagram and the Department of Agriculture’s Facebook page, offering exposure to both artists and local farms.
Secretary Redding emphasized the broader impact of the event, noting, “Not only will your PA pumpkin pride shine all season, but your purchasing power helps farmers feed families, support jobs and grow our economy.” This underscores the importance of buying local, which directly supports the state’s farmers and sustains community jobs.
With a panel of gourd-loving experts set to judge the submissions, the contest promises to be a celebration of creativity and community support for agriculture. Winners will receive a PA Preferred swag bag filled with local treats, further promoting the state’s rich agricultural diversity.
As Pennsylvania embraces the fall season, the PA Pumpkin Palooza stands as a testament to the state’s agricultural strength and community spirit. For further information and contest rules, participants are encouraged to visit the Department of Agriculture’s website.
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