The 2026 Jim Blair Pumpkin Trail brought creativity and community participation to Adair County, with organizers announcing the winners of this year's pumpkin decorating contest.
Mayor Pam Hoots took first place with a hand-painted floral pumpkin, earning the $150 cash prize sponsored by Gaddie Shamrock.
Kristyne Gilbert placed second with a Frankenstein-themed pumpkin, receiving $75 sponsored by Dog Gone Classy. De'Asia Fishers took third place with a Cheshire Cat pumpkin, earning a $25 prize provided by an anonymous donor.
Bridget Compton, one of the event organizers, said the turnout and creativity displayed by participants made this year's event a success.
"We were amazed by the creativity, talent and imagination that went into decorating this year's pumpkins," Compton said. "Thank you to everyone who participated, voted and helped make this community event such a success."
Organizers also recognized Cash Thrasher and his mother, Makayla Janes, for an unusual turn of events involving their IT the Clown pumpkin.
The pair originally intended to enter the pumpkin in the Jim Blair Pumpkin Trail contest. However, through an accidental mix-up, a family member dropped it off with entries for Bruss North America's pumpkin decorating contest.
Bruss was preparing for its company picnic on the same day pumpkins were being accepted for the local contest. After organizers discovered what had happened, they learned Cash's pumpkin had earned first place in the company's contest.
Although the pumpkin was never officially entered in the Jim Blair Pumpkin Trail competition, it still brought home a first-place finish.
Compton thanked the sponsors, participants and organizations that helped make the event possible, including Gaddie Shamrock, Dog Gone Classy, the anonymous third-place donor, Adair County Recycling Center, Adair County Class D and Adair County Tourism.
"Events like these remind us what makes Adair County such a special place — neighbors coming together, businesses supporting their community and families making memories," Compton said.
