The Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (RCARS), part of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and in partnership with the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, welcomes students, teachers and families to the annual Pumpkin Days event Sept. 26-27. 

Over the years, the Pumpkin Days events have offered thousands of Kentuckians fun, pumpkin-related activities such as carving, coloring, tasting and more. 

For Daniel Wilson, RCARS director and east regional extension director, Pumpkin Days perfectly exemplifies how extension services collaborate with the community. 

“These types of events reach hundreds of youths, including local schools, family resource centers, home-schooled children and 4-H Youth Development students,” he said. “Youth will learn more about pumpkins — how they grow, taste and their texture; recipes, nutritional value, and the experience of walking into the field and choosing their own pumpkin.” 

Wilson said this event provides volunteer opportunities for many 4-Hers during this two-day program, contributing greatly to the event’s success.  

“Agents and staff from numerous counties come together to make this one of the most popular programs we offer,” Wilson added. 

Jessica Morris, Wolfe County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources and 4-H youth development, wholeheartedly agrees and discussed some of the different attractions to this year’s Pumpkin Days. 

“Pumpkin Days is an awesome educational event for the youth here in Eastern Kentucky,” she said. “This year, we have several pumpkin tasting and activity stations, which include physical fitness. In addition, there will be a petting zoo and a pumpkin patch hayride.” 

For Wilson, Pumpkin Days is about Kentucky pride. 

“Something we pride ourselves on with Pumpkin Days is that we can provide new experiences for our youth within a fun atmosphere,” she said. “So many of our youth would never be able to share these life experiences if it weren’t for Pumpkin Days.” 

Kindergarten and first-grade classes may attend Tuesday, Sept. 26. HeadStart and pre-school classes should attend Wednesday, Sept. 27.  

The event begins at 9 a.m. EDT. and concludes at 2 p.m. each day. To learn more or register for Pumpkin Days, visit https://www.ca.uky.edu/event/pumpkin-days.

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