INSTITUTE, W.Va.— West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service will host a series of free fall-themed activities and workshops throughout the Kanawha Valley in October. Topics include pumpkin painting, decorating and agritourism.
Event details are as follows. Registration is not required unless otherwise noted.
- Wednesday, October 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Rebecca Street Urban Farm | Pumpkin Decorating and Preservation Tips: Join us on the farm for an interactive evening centered on urban agriculture and fall harvest traditions. Participants will decorate pumpkins using natural and craft materials while learning practical techniques for extending the shelf life of carved pumpkins using simple, non-toxic sprays. The Rebecca Street Urban Farm is located at 1802 6th Ave. in Charleston. Register: https://bit.ly/4iuMe7r
- Friday, October 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at South Charleston Farmers Market | Pop-up Pumpkin Craft and Agritourism Information: This quick, family-friendly activity lets kids and parents decorate miniature pumpkins while discovering the wide array of agritourism destinations across West Virginia. WVSU Extension Educator Jorge Vera will be on-site to share regional farm guides, highlight local U-Pick operations and discuss ways consumers can directly support West Virginia’s agricultural economy. The South Charleston Farmers Market is located at 4006 MacCorkle Ave. SW in South Charleston.
- Thursday, October 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the WVSU Campus, 5000 Fairlawn Avenue, Institute | Pumpkin Decorating: Celebrate autumn on campus with WVSU Extension Service during WVSU Fall Fest. Students, faculty, staff and campus visitors are invited to take a break and express their creativity with hands-on pumpkin decorating. WVSU Extension Educator Jorge Vera will be on-site to share regional farm guides, highlight local U-Pick operations and discuss ways consumers can directly support West Virginia’s agricultural economy. Pumpkin supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Friday, October 23, 6-8 p.m. at WVSU Stinger Produce Market | Grandfamilies and Community Harvest Workshop: Designed to bring generations together, this evening workshop invites relatives, caregivers, children and community members to create lasting fall memories. Participants will collaborate on pumpkin decorating and natural autumn crafts using materials sourced directly from West Virginia farms. Beyond crafting, the session provides a supportive environment to share intergenerational farm activities, seasonal family recipes and local food resources.Â
- Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Capitol Market | Market Monster Mash Activity: Bring your trick-or-treaters to Capitol Market’s outdoor festival for a hands-on pumpkin station. Kids can paint or place stickers on their pumpkins to create a Halloween masterpiece, while parents can gather information on local agritourism spots, farm stands and upcoming winter Extension events. Pumpkin supplies are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Capitol Market is located at 800 Smith Street in Charleston.
For questions or more information, contact WVSU Extension Educator Jorge Vera at (304) 204-4072 or
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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