The Pumpkin Festival began on Russell and Pat Synan’s homeplace. What started as a small gathering grew into a larger regional event. After Russell’s passing, it was moved to the town of Pocahontas. The following was written while the festival was still being held at the Synan Homeplace on Peel Chestnut Mountain.
Each year, when the air starts to cool and the leaves begin to fall, Peel Chestnut Mountain is invaded by Giant Pumpkins!
It’s the Peel Chestnut Mountain Pumpkin Festival and it takes place every year on the 2nd Saturday in October at the Synan Homeplace.
Hundreds, even thousands of folks come from all over for the music, food, fun, hayrides, games, apple butter, and pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins. There’s something to do for everyone! And let’s not forget those world-famous fried bologna sandwiches!
Folks who grew up here and have moved away plan their visits home around this event. Classes from Pocahontas High School plan their reunions around this event. The Peel Chestnut Mountain Pumpkin Festival draws people from all over the country.
So plan on joining Russell and Pat Synan at the Synan Homeplace for the next Peel Chestnut Mountain Pumpkin Festival. The memories that you take away will last a lifetime.