BARNESVILLE — In a year when fairs and festivals were canceled or downsized and the economy took a big hit, the community of Barnesville pitched in and purchased the King Pumpkin for $6,250.

There was no fanfare, no gathering around the King Pumpkin for a photo, no public accolades or announcements. Many of these retail businesses and vendors lost a lot of income when the festival was canceled. Yet, when asked, these people gladly said “yes” to contributing.

The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival continued to award the growers of the largest pumpkins even without the festival. The weigh-off was held in a remote location to discourage the gathering of crowds. Expenses continued to be incurred, and this contribution helped to defray part of those costs. It is with tremendous appreciation, that organizers laud the following for their generous contributions:

Anson Leasing/A&A Construction; ArtWorks; Avenues of Barnesville/Blue Moon Tavern; Scott & Lisa Baker; Barnesville Elks; Bennoc Inc.; Bostic Concrete; Buckeye Steel; Campbell Plumly Milburn Funeral Home; Cook Excavating; Hammer Industries; Harrison House Apartments; Hissom’s Service Center; J-Mo’s; Joe’s Tire Pros; Jim & Judy Jones; Kemp Insurance; KFC / A&W; Wm. A. Knox, CPA; Tim & Liz McKelvey; Riesbeck’s Food Markets; Smitty’s Septic Systems; VFW Barnesville Post 2792; WesBanco; Woodsfield Savings Bank.