As a rural community, Lewis County lacks a variety of after-school and weekend programming for young people. In response to this, an annual Pumpkin Art Contest is hosted every year to give youth the opportunity to show off their artistic side by using a pumpkin as a canvas. This contest is held in conjunction with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent’s Harvest Fest and the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent’s Pie Baking Contest.

On September, 28, 2024, the annual Harvest Fest was held at the Lewis County Farmers Market. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent partnered with the Lewis County Farmers Market and local vendors to provide a shopping experience for those involved. The 4-H Program partnered with Primary Plus of Vanceburg, Farmers Cooperative Insurance of Vanceburg, and Trace Creek Construction to provide awards to the winners of the Pumpkin Art Contest.

The contest had a total of 30 participants and 36 pumpkins entered. Participants ranged in age from 7-18-years old. The top 3 participants in each age group of both the Best Painted and Best Decorated categories received a monetary award for their creativity and skill. Youth gained knowledge of painting/decorating on unconventional canvases and gained confidence and skills related to creativity.