MILTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a grant to support a Cabell County nonprofit organization during his visit to the 41st annual West Virginia Pumpkin Festival on Thursday.
With a rich history dating back to 1986, the four-day event continues through Sunday in Milton. The governor announced the state is supporting Green Acres Regional Center located in Lesage. A division of Green Acres, LeSage Natural, employs 40 people with disabilities and distributes water from Lesage wells to 22 counties in the state.
“We are issuing a one-time grant to Green Acres of $300,000 to help them make the critical capital investments and prepare for the incredible economic development up on Route 2,” the governor said.
Morrisey said that this organization gives people an opportunity to succeed and supports the state’s mentality of hard work.
“They provide such meaningful employment opportunites for West Virginians with developmental disabilities,” Morrisey said. “Through LeSage Natural, these West Virginians are working, earning a paycheck, contributing to their communities, and building greater independence.”
The governor also praised the Pumpkin Festival. He said it’s a can’t-miss event for pumpkin lovers.
“So many different incredible types of foods,” Morrisey said. “Maybe it’s pumpkin butter, maybe it’s pumpkin pie, maybe it’s pumpkin cake, maybe it’s pumpkin bread, maybe it’s pumpkin seeds. We have so much pumpkin and it’s wonderful to celebrate it.”
This year’s event theme is “Stars and Stripes and Pumpkin Delights” in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Morrisey said that the Pumpkin Festival is a perfect example of what West Virginia has to offer. He mentioned Wednesday’s announcement about more than $19 million going into West Virginia’s state parks. Morrisey said that, along with state parks and much more, the festival in Milton is another attraction to bring tourists to the Mountain State.
“We know you have a lot of live music, you’ve got a living history encampment, a petting zoo, a hay maze, and plenty for the kids,” Morrisey said. “I think you’re going to have a wonderful couple of days.”
Find a full schedule here.