Granddaughters of founder of pumpkin festival that became Harvest Homecoming discuss her legacy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- During this time of year in southern Indiana, two words reign supreme: Harvest Homecoming. This year's event is pays homage to its creator, Cora Jacobs.

The theme this year is "Old-Fashioned Harvest."

Jacobs was the first woman to have a seat on New Albany's Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s and insisted the city host a pumpkin festival. Two of her granddaughters stopped by WDRB Mornings on Monday to talk about her legacy.

Robin Jacobs Duvall and Pam Jacobs Kelley were Grand Marshals at this year's parade, which kicked off the event Oct. 7 with an estimated 4,000 people attending.

HARVEST HOMECOMING PARADE (1).jpeg — The Harvest Homecoming parade was held Oct. 7, 2023. (WDRB photo)

Duvall said her grandmother "was a trendsetter. She had lots of visions. She wanted to develop New Albany and help it grow, so that's why she wanted to have the Pumpkin Festival. So the first year it was called the 'Pumpkin Festival.' The second year, it was 'Harvest Homecoming.' And obviously, it was successful, because 56 years later it's still going on. We're the second largest attended event in the whole state of Indiana."

The annual event has been dubbed one of Indiana's most successful community festivals, and Kelley said it was being a part of such a successfully event growing up was very gratifying.

"To see the growth of the festival through the years, starting with a handful of vendors back in the late 60s to what it is today, with over 200 booths, 100 parade entries, and a week of festivities."

Harvest Homecoming "Booth Days" start Oct. 12 and continues through Oct. 15. Duvall said that's one of her favorite parts of the festival. "Crafts, music, artwork, all kinds of stuff. It's just a wonderful place to be for those four days."

Kelly said her grandmother taught them valuable lessons: "she taught me to work hard, play hard and live life to its fullest."

Festival rides start Oct. 10 and continue through the end of Booth Days on Oct. 15.

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