Think big — really big — when it comes to Columbiana Co.’s Pumpkin Festival

Last year’s event drew about 2,000 visitors to the fairgrounds.

By D.a. Wilkinson

LISBON — Ever want to have a big pumpkin? A really big pumpkin?

Alan Gibson of Winona will be bringing one of his extremely large pumpkins to the Columbiana County Fairgrounds for display Saturday and Sunday.

People can try to guess its weight for a quarter. The winner gets a gift certificate to Heck’s Restaurant in Columbiana.

Visitors also can buy seeds for $3 to grow their own giant pumpkin. All proceeds will go to the county’s 4-H program.

The event is just part of the events at the fairground.

Sharen Cope and Robert Crosser, members of the Columbiana County Fair Board, are promoting the Pumpkin Festival. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Last year’s one-day event drew about 2,000 people, so they decided to run it for two days this year.

The event is a mixture of the joys of autumn and economic development. More than 40 crafters are signed up to sell their wares.

The long-running West Branch eatery at the fairgrounds ended because of a lack of people to run it, according to Crosser. Heck’s will operate during the event.

Crosser said the event also will help make people more aware of the fairgrounds.

Other attractions this weekend will be a car show that they hope will bring in 200 vehicles. The first 100 vehicles will receive plaques.

There will be wagon rides and pumpkin sales for 4-H, and the county historical society’s museum at the fairgrounds will be open.

Another attraction will be draft horses, which are raised by Jerry Cope, Sharen’s husband, who is involved in the Ohio Valley Draft Horse Association. Sharen is a prolific quilter who will be offering her creations at the arts and crafts building.

Cope said the building is “phenomenal.” It has been used for two all-class school reunions and could even be expanded, she said.

wilkinson@vindy.com