News Release
For Immediate Release — September 22, 2009
Usher in Autumn at UT Pumpkin Display
The University of Tennessee Pumpkin Harvest Display is constructed every October on the grounds of the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson. Designers used more than 5,000 pumpkins to create the 2008 horticultural masterpiece shown above.. Photo by G. Trice.
JACKSON, Tenn. — When you think of Tennessee landmarks, a couple of places immediately spring to mind…Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, Neyland Stadium. But for a few weeks in the fall, Tennessee is also home to another landmark of sorts, the biggest pumpkin display in the South.
The University of Tennessee Pumpkin Harvest Display is constructed every October on the grounds of the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson. Designers will use more than 5,000 pumpkins to create the horticultural masterpiece. The end product will feature almost 100 different varieties of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, making it not only the biggest autumn display in the region, but also the most diverse. Past displays have showcased a pumpkin house, cucurbit mosaics, even a horse made with corn stalks!
All the pumpkins used in the display are grown on the Center’s grounds for research purposes. Scientists study these fruits all summer, gathering data that will benefit the state’s growing number of pumpkin producers. After the studies are complete, the harvested goods are transformed into a stunning work of art for everyone to enjoy.
“So many visitors came to the Center last fall to see the display, learn about the unusual pumpkin varieties that are available, and also to get fall decorating ideas for their own homes or businesses,” says lead display designer, Jason Reeves, UT research horticulturist.
The Pumpkin Harvest Display officially opens on Friday, October 9, at 1:00 during the UT Pumpkin Field Day. This event takes place at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center located at 605 Airways Boulevard in Jackson, Tennessee. The display can be found directly behind the main office building. Admission to Pumpkin Field Day is free.
The display will remain up through the end of November, and visitors are welcome to stop by, snap a few photos, or just admire the bold collection of fruits. The Center grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee.
For more information on the display or to see pictures of past displays, visit the website: http://west.tennessee.edu. Or call 731-424-1643.
The West Tennessee Research and Education Center is one of 10 outdoor laboratories operated by UT AgResearch, a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Contact:
Ginger Trice, UTIA Marketing and Communications Services, 731-425-4768, gtrice@tennessee.edu