Left: The Pumpkin Festival grounds in Milton are always decorated festively for fall. Right: Albert Rodebaugh II of Craigsville won First Place with his 1,602-pound pumpkin. (Photos by Sarah Deleon)

Every year, gardeners from all over the state compete for the honor of having the biggest pumpkin at the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival’s annual pumpkin contest. Contest entries are displayed for the duration of the festival, which was held this year from October 6 through October 9.

The 2022 First Place winner was Albert Rodebaugh II of Craigsville, who entered a pumpkin weighing 1602 pounds.

Other contestants included: Justin Conner of Milton, 610 pounds; Ronnie Midkiff of Standford, 378 pounds; Cindy Midkiff of Stanford, 352 pounds; Kenneth Ames of Gandeeville, 174 pounds; Tabitha Linville of Milton, 162 pounds; and Ron Roberts of Fort Gay, 146 pounds.