University of Kentucky hosts annual pumpkin days event

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (RCARS) will host its annual Pumpkin Days event on September 26 and 27, 2023. The event is free and open to the public.

Pumpkin Days is a fun and educational event for children and their families.

There will be a variety of pumpkin-related activities, including:

• Pumpkin carving

• Pumpkin coloring

• Pumpkin tasting

• Pumpkin patch hayrides

• Petting zoo

• Physical fitness activities

The event will also feature educational stations where children can learn about the different types of pumpkins, how they grow, and their nutritional value.

Pumpkin Days is a great way to celebrate Kentucky pride and enjoy the fall season. For more information about the event, please visit the Robinson Center website.

New Experiences for Youth

For RCARS Director Daniel Wilson, Pumpkin Days is about providing new experiences for youth in Eastern Kentucky. "Many of our youth would never be able to share these life experiences if it weren't for Pumpkin Days," Wilson said. Children carving pumpkin Opens in a new window

Wilson said that Pumpkin Days is a great example of 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," Wilson 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."

Volunteer Opportunities

Pumpkin Days also provides volunteer opportunities for many 4-Hers.

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

Kentucky Pride

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.

Dates and Times

Pumpkin Days will be held on Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Kindergarten and first-grade classes may attend on Tuesday. HeadStart and pre-school classes should be attended on Wednesday.

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.