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Parrish View Farms presents pumpkins to First Lady at Virginia Executive Mansion

Rebecca Barnabi
Pumpkin patch with frost
(© redtbird02 – stock.adobe.com)

Virginia-grown pumpkins from fourth generation family-owned Parrish View Farms in Kenbridge were delivered to Virginia’s Executive Mansion and presented to First Lady Suzanne Youngkin on Friday.

The delivery of Virginia-grown pumpkins is an annual tradition organized by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Pumpkin Growers’ Association to celebrate fall and recognize October as Virginia Pumpkin Month.

“It’s an honor to carry on this fall tradition and have the opportunity to meet Virginia farmers who not only help feed us, but also bring so much family fun to the Commonwealth during this exciting season,” Youngkin said. “The Governor and I will take great joy from these pumpkins during Virginia Pumpkin Month, and we thank the Parrish family for sharing their bounty with us.”

Youngkin presented the Parrish family with a proclamation from Gov. Glenn Youngkin designating October as Virginia Pumpkin Month. The proclamation acknowledges the work of the nearly 400 pumpkin growers who cultivate and harvest pumpkins in the Commonwealth and recognizes the value of pumpkins to the state’s economy. In 2023, Virginia farmers harvested approximately 4,600 acres of pumpkins with fresh market production valued at $15.5 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Virginia ranks 9th nationally in pumpkin production.

“The many farms and agritourism destinations across the Commonwealth make Virginia an ideal place to be during the fall season,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I encourage Virginia families, residents, and visitors to make the most of the season by visiting pumpkin patches in the Commonwealth and supporting local agriculture.

Make plans now to get your Virginia-grown pumpkins at a pick-your-own farm, farmers’ market, roadside stand or grocery store near you. Farmers began harvesting pumpkins around Labor Day and will continue until Halloween, making October the perfect time to visit a farm to purchase pumpkins to complete fall decorating, or to enjoy in your favorite pumpkin recipe. Search VirginiaGrown.com for a Virginia pumpkin retailer near you.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.