Madison County Extension attempts to reach all people in the community by increasing awareness of the diverse programs offered for youth and families. In fall, the Madison County Extension agents planned and conducted an event called Pumpkin Palooza, which was a fun and educational event for people of all ages.

Each agent in the Madison County Extension Office had a different role.

• The family and consumer science agent told the history of the jack o’lantern to the group. She also prepared recipes and samples using pumpkin.

• The horticulture agent created a display of several types of gourds and pumpkins. She also taught a lesson on how to grow pumpkins.

• 4-H talked about the different ways to decorate a pumpkin. They offered painting and carving utensils and gave each family or group a pumpkin to either paint or carve.

• The agriculture and 4-H agents set up a catapult in the shelter house at our office. Participants were able to launch minipumpkins at bull’s eyes at varying distances from the structure.

Over 100 people attended the event, which was approximately 30 families. Some participants came individually. Ages ranged from three to eighty five years old. Several groups that came to the event were multigenerational.

Of the families who returned the follow-up survey, 21% were first time Extension clients.  As a result of the event:

• 57% of participants plan to plant pumpkins (or a garden in the spring)

• 60% prepared a recipe using pumpkins.

Participants shared that the event was a wonderful family experience, especially during a time of year when a lot of events can be scary for children.