Pumpkin Days 2023

September 26-27, 2023 Pumpkin Days was held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. Youth in Preschool, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1^st Grades attended from multiple different counties where they rotated through educational stations, played games, learned about being kind, experienced a petting zoo, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch and were able to select their own pumpkin to take home. Different SNAP approved pumpkin recipes were made by numerous different SNAP-Ed Assistants, Program Assistants and Agents for the kids in attendance to try. Each group was greeted by Wally Cat and a photo was taken!

Youth in attendance were able to try new foods for the first time! Several positive comments were collected throughout the day from the kids! Youth were excited to get to make the recipes at home! First time hay ride and pumpkin patch exposures occurred for lots of our youth. This event provides positive learning experiences combined with a safe place to try new and exciting things. New this year we added a petting zoo. This was put together by 4-H and FFA members from the region. The 4-H and FFA students brought their project animals out and shared about each one of them with the kids. The students in attendance were able to pet them as well.

Due to the abundance of generosity from those working in Extension, our local 4-H and FFA students and Hannah Hogan, Kentucky River Health Department educator, we were able to provide this day to 741 youth over the two days. Collectively we had 1281 total youth, parents and educators present for both the days.

Wolfe County’s Kindergarten and 1^st grades were able to attend. One child reported that “they had the best day ever.” Another student was so excited to make one of the recipes with their mom that weekend. Another student stated “this was the first time I tried eating a pumpkin, I LIKED IT!”

Teachers enjoyed the day and appreciate the vast opportunities provided to their students. Please see a comment below emailed from a participating teacher at the event. 

               “Thank you all for such a wonderful day. This was the first time I have brought our school. We were planning to take them to the pumpkin patch but due to funding and being a private school, we were unable. We were tickled to hear about this opportunity from our local extension office. This was so much better than a traditional pumpkin patch. My students learned and experienced so many wonderful things! I cannot wait to take them back in future years! ”

                                                                                                                         Elementary Teacher at BCS

“This year my kindergarten class attended Pumpkin Days at RCARS and it was amazing! The stations were set up so that students moved easily from one activity to another and they held their attention with stories, songs, games food taste testing, etc. The students really enjoyed the wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch as well! We are so glad we had the opportunity to attend! The petting zoo was a fantastic addition! Thank you to everyone involved in making this day fun, educational and successful!

                                                                                                                        -AD, Kindergarten Teacher at RRVE