I Love NY Campaign Honors Pumpkinville

May 21, 2008

Lake George, NY - The I Love New York campaign honored Pumpkinville, New York State's oldest, continuously working pumpkin farm, as one of the best in the state's tourism industry.

Pumpkinville, located in Great Valley in Cattaraugus County, earned the 2008 New York State Agri-Tourism Award. The award recognizes an organization in New York that has implemented a program or project promoting agricultural destinations to tourists. Pumpkinville, which dates back to the early 1960s, is a 200-acre farm owned by Dan and Diane Pawlowski and their children, Jim and Lisa. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets nominated Pumpkinville for the award.

We were stunned when they told us we won the award, said Dan Pawlowski. But we couldn't be prouder to know that all our hard work to grow Pumpkinville was recognized by New York State.

The I Love New York Tourism Awards recognizes the individuals and organizations that have made significant accomplishments and contributions to the state's multibillion-dollar tourism industry. The awards were given at the Governor's Tourism Conference held in Lake George by Upstate Chairman Daniel C. Gunderson of Empire State Development (ESD), which is steward of the iconic tourism campaign.

The awards salute the energy, enthusiasm and tireless efforts made on behalf of the people and places that make New York State such an outstanding place for 150 million people to vacation each year, Chairman Gunderson said. Out award winners have each demonstrated dedication, professionalism, hard work and perseverance.

Pumpkinville's 2008 season runs from September 20^th through October 31^st. It transforms into a family-friendly attraction with two dozen activities that appeal to people of all ages. Pumpkinville, a member of the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth, will also host the third annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, Western New York's Largest, on Sunday, October 5^th at Noon.