5K Run/Walk

The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is proud to have local newspaper editor Jennifer Compston-Strough to cut the ribbon, signaling the official opening of this year’s festival at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2022.

The Belmont resident is the managing editor of The Times Leader and, as such, has covered the weigh-off and scores of other Pumpkin Festival events during the course of her career. She said she is excited to participate in the opening ceremony.

“I was born in Barnesville and raised just a few miles away in Belmont, so the Pumpkin Festival has always been a special autumn event for myself, my friends and my family,” she said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to cut the ribbon to open the festivities.”

Compston-Strough is a Barnesville native and visited the village often as a child, taking swimming lessons at the pool, learning to play piano at Neal Studio of Music and participating in dance, tumbling and baton classes in the community. One of her earliest Pumpkin Festival memories is marching in the Giant Pumpkin Parade while twirling her baton. She followed that same route several more times as a member of the Union Local High School Marching Band, and again later while working as director of advancement for Olney Friends School. Incidentally, her husband, Michael Strough, is a magician who has performed at the festival as well.

A UL graduate, Compston-Strough obtained a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University before teaching in area schools for a few years and then landing a job as a newspaper reporter, launching her journalism career. In addition to her work at The Times Leader, she enjoys gardening, home improvement projects, board games and spending time with family and friends.

She said on of her favorite annual activities is viewing the village homes and businesses that have been decorated in preparation for the festival.

“I may not live in Barnesville, but the village has always been a big part of my life,” she said. “I look forward to helping to open

Jennifer Compston-Strough

Managing Editor The Times Leader

The ever-popular Pumpkin Festival will take place on Saturday, September 24.

The race begins at 8:30am. Race day registration is open from 6:45am to 8:15am at the historical Watt Center at 511 Watt Avenue, just around the corner from the Train Depot.

Voted the “#1 Favorite Race in the Ohio Valley” multiple times, the event has a “family reunion” type atmosphere to it. It features nearly 200 of the beautiful, coveted, unique ceramic-fired pumpkin trophies and pottery medallions; offers a huge smorgasbord of delicious food including pizza, pepperoni rolls, subs, deli-fresh sandwiches, Jessica’s famous pasta salad, Donley’s Delicious Delights homemade cookies. There is also a FREE Kids Race — all kids win a pumpkin medallion and mini pumpkin handed to them by Spiderman!

First 350 registrants receive a moisture management shirt. Online registration available at www. RunSignUp.com Keyword: Pumpkin Festival. Pre-registration is $25. Kids 10 & under doing the 5K, fee is only $14. Barnesville athletes are also discounted.

Applications and other information may be viewed and downloaded at www. RailsToTrails5k.com For more information, contact Carl Kondrach at carlkondrach@yahoo.com or (740) 310-2117.

Proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts and the Rails-toTrails Project.

HOURS DURING PUMPKIN FESTIVAL:

Wednesday: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm Friday: 10:00am - 8:00pm Saturday: 10:00am - 8:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 3:00pm

“We will customize for you!”

118 EAST MAIN STREET BARNESVILLE, OHIO 740-425-3210