BARNESVILLE, Ohio — The 61st Annual Barnesville Pumpkin Festival officially has its King Pumpkin, and once again, it belongs to Bill Neptune of New Concord.
Neptune took home the top prize at Wednesday night’s highly anticipated weigh-in with a massive pumpkin tipping the scales at 1,952 pounds, earning him his fifth King Pumpkin title at the festival.
Coming in a close second was Ben McMillan of Salem, whose pumpkin missed the crown by just four pounds—one of the narrowest margins in recent festival history.
The King Pumpkin is now proudly displayed downtown, drawing crowds eager to get a photo with the festival’s famous gourd.
Organizers say this year’s festival will feature more than just giant pumpkins — expect live entertainment, parades, a 5K run, pumpkin-flavored everything, and activities for all ages, including a new attraction, the Pumpkin Market.
The festival continues through Sunday. For a full schedule of events, visit barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.
