Pumpkin Palooza

The Cucurbit family (that's pumpkins, gourds and squash) in all its endless variety will hold center stage in the Oswald Visitor Center from Saturday, Sept. 24 through Monday, Oct. 31. Pumpkin Palooza will be an eye-popping cucurbit display - mainly in the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center, but outdoors as well—featuring 130 pumpkin and squash varieties. Find a list of all the varieties here.  Also, check out growing tips and recipes from Jennifer Bradley, an assistant gardener at the Horticultural Research Center. 

Pumpkin Palooza Weekend will take place Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 22 & 23. It's a pumpkin party with fun for everyone!  

• "Mini-Pumpkin Heads" crafts for kids Saturday andSunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Marion Andrus Learning Center ($1 per pumpkin). 
• Pumpkin-carving demos and pumpkin-growing tips from master gardeners from 1 to 3 p.m. both days. 
• A screening of "Bill's Big Pumpkins" documentary at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. both days in the Snyder Auditorium.