It’s official — the 61st annual Pumpkin Festival kicked off Thursday evening.

The festivities began with Belmont County Tourism Executive Director Jackee Pugh cutting the ribbon surrounded by Pumpkin Festival Committee members and festival Queen Elle Keller, Princess Maggie Schnegg and Mini Miss Rose Jefferis. Pugh said she was incredibly honored that the festival’s committee asked her to cut the ribbon marking the start of the event.

“It’s so exciting to get to kick off such a great event that really is an impactful one for Belmont County tourism,” she said. “It brings in people from all over the region. It has an economic impact right here in the county, and I’m so pleased to be here and helping kick off the festivities.”

She added that the festival is run completely by volunteers, wh

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