You can find pumpkin-flavored everything at WV’s largest pumpkin festival

At only one-and-a-half square miles with a population of about 2,500, the tiny river town of Milton boasts an impressive statistic: It’s home to one of the largest festivals in the state!

Each year, more than 50,000 people visit the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival to celebrate the autumn harvest. The festival began in 1986 as an agriculture project to help farmers sell their crops. In the decades since, it has blossomed into an all-ages celebration of all things fall, from arts and crafts to seasonal food to live music and other entertainment.

And, you can find just about anything pumpkin flavored: fudge, pie, popcorn, and the famous pumpkin ice cream. In addition to the pumpkin treats, there are pumpkin crafts, pumpkin merchandise and even actual pumpkins for sale.

Head to Pumpkin Park this weekend to enjoy a wide variety of fun activities and attractions like the Hillbilly Zipline, a living history encampment, grist mill, pony and helicopter rides, a petting zoo and more.

Marvel at the giant, 1,000-lb. pumpkins on display and sample delicious seasonal treats like freshly made apple butter and kettle corn.

Start your holiday shopping early as you browse the works of more than 100 skilled artisans. Watch master craftsmen demonstrating their skills in blacksmithing, pottery making, quilting and woodworking. There’s even a chainsaw artist!

While you’re there, be sure to stop and admire the historic Mud River Covered Bridge. Built in 1875 and originally spanning the Mud River, the fully restored bridge was relocated to Pumpkin Park in 2001. A mini replica sits inside the festival surrounded with a pumpkin display!

You might also want to plan a stop at Blenko Glass Company, a family-owned business operating out of Milton since 1921. Glass-blowing demonstrations take place mostly on weekdays but the gift shop is open on weekends. (Their hand-blown glass pumpkins make a great keepsake!)

This post was last updated on July 30, 2020