October 1, 2026 Governor Morrisey Celebrates West Virginia Pumpkin Festival in Milton, Issues Grant for Green Acres Regional Center ...

MILTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today joined West Virginians at the 41st annual West Virginia Pumpkin Festival in Milton, celebrating one of the state's signature fall traditions and highlighting the important role community events play in West Virginia's growing tourism economy.

"For more than 40 years, the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival has brought families together to celebrate our farmers, our traditions, and everything that makes fall in West Virginia special," said Governor Morrisey. "People want to experience our mountains and rivers, but they also want to visit our small towns and experience what makes our communities special. Events like this give people another reason to come to West Virginia, support local businesses, and discover everything our state has to offer."

The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival began in 1986 as a way to help area farmers raise and sell pumpkins and has grown into a four-day celebration featuring giant pumpkins, Appalachian crafts, live music, traditional demonstrations, local vendors, and activities for families and students.

This year's theme, "Stars and Stripes and Pumpkin Delights," continues the patriotic spirit West Virginians displayed during the state's America250 celebrations earlier this year. Governor Morrisey traveled across the state leading up to and throughout Independence Day as communities came together for parades, ceremonies, concerts, and other events celebrating America's 250th birthday.

The Governor's visit comes as West Virginia continues to post record tourism numbers. In 2025, nearly 80 million people visited the state, generating $6.8 billion in visitor spending, a record $9.4 billion in economic impact, and supporting more than 61,000 jobs across West Virginia.

Tourism growth is part of West Virginia's broader economic comeback. Since October 2025, the state has announced approximately $96 billion in private-sector investment and more than 19,000 projected jobs.

Governor Morrisey also recognized Green Acres Regional Center and LeSage Natural, which is supplying water for this year's event. Green Acres was recently a recipient of a $300,000 award through the Governor's Contingency Fund to support critical capital improvements, expand operations, and help preserve employment opportunities as the organization navigates the loss of county levy funding.

"Green Acres shows us that economic development and helping our fellow West Virginians can go hand in hand," said Governor Morrisey. "They are creating jobs, giving people an opportunity to contribute and build greater independence, and producing a West Virginia product that serves thousands of customers. We were proud to invest in their mission, and I'm proud to recognize the men and women behind their success here today."

The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival runs October 1-4 at the West Virginia Pumpkin Park in Milton.