Scene from the National Pumpkin Festival parade, Spring Hope. Photo courtesy Spring Hope Chamber of Commerce

National Pumpkin Festival

The first weekend in October of each year, the town of Spring Hope, North Carolina, with a population of about 1,300, is host to more than 40,000 people who come to the National Pumpkin Festival. Held by the Spring Hope Chamber of Commerce since 1971, it includes a pumpkin weigh-in contest, a pumpkin recipe contest, and a pumpkin creations contest for children, who create pumpkin designs in 45 minutes using only props from a "surprise bag." Other events featured include a street dance, a crafts show, an antique car show, musical entertainment, a carnival, a pumpkin queen contest, and a parade.

Originally submitted by: Bob Etheridge, Representative (2nd District).

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