If you are a food lover, you must have heard about Barnesville Pumpkin festival! This is an annual pumpkin festival which is held in Ohio. This food festival is especially dedicated to the harvesting and growth of pumpkins along with several other fall harvests of the region.

Barnesville pumpkin festival is one of the most popular festivals of the region which is being held with great enthusiasiam ever since 1964 when it was first started. The popularity of festival is increasing every year – it is said that more than 100000 people attend this 4 day festival from different parts of the world.

This most awaited food festival is held in the last week of September – officially this festival begins on Thursday but food enthusiasts preview this festival a day before – such is the craze of this food festival. The official ribbon cutting ceremony takes place on the following day – the ribbon is cut by either the city mayor or committee president or any other notable person of the region.

Preparations of this festival begin many days in advance. It is said that the annual weigh- in is held on the Wednesday which precedes the event. This is one of the most significant events of this festival. One of the most interesting features of this festival is that food lovers get to see pumpkins with weights matching and breaking several local and state records. The festival is attended by hundreds of people from across different places. Hotels, restaurants and other rental places buzz with happy and excited food enthusiasts who visit the place to be a part of the celebrations.

There is food, music, festivity and loads of entertainment in this 4 day event. There are many games, activities and rides for the entertainment of children. The pumpkin ride and the umbrellas are one of the most loved rides which are held in this region. Though there are many restrictions placed during this 4 day event, yet if you choose to drive in your car, you need not worry as there is ample parking space in the region.

The fourth day or the last day of this festival is quite awaited as the annual pumpkin auction is held on this day. In this auction all the local businesses compete with one other to bid the winning pumpkin and then sell the seeds later on. The auction is one of those events which is witnessed by hundreds of people who come to participate in the festival.

If you have not participated in this event till now do not miss out the next festival. You will love and enjoy this wonderful 4 day festival.

Image courtesy: news.bbc.co; wormwoman