If you’ve never been to the corner of Beech Street and 15th in Kenova, West Virginia, during the last week of October, you've missed out on one of the most absurdly dedicated displays of Americana left in the country. It’s not a theme park. It’s not a corporate-sponsored "experience." It is just a Victorian house. But that house happens to be covered—literally dripping—in over 3,000 hand-carved Jack-o'-lanterns.
The Pumpkin House Ceredo Kenova is a local legend that somehow went viral before "going viral" was even a thing.
I’m telling you, the smell is the first thing that hits you. It’s that sharp, damp, vegetal scent of sliced squash mixing with the smoky aroma of thousands of tiny tea light candles. It’s overwhelming. Most people think they’ve seen a "decorated" house. They haven't. This isn't a couple of plastic skeletons from a big-box store. This is a logistical nightmare turned into a work of art.
The Man Behind the Knife
Ric Griffith is the guy you need to know about. He’s a former mayor, a pharmacist, and, quite frankly, a bit of a madman in the best possible way. He started this back in 1978. Back then, it was just four pumpkins on the front porch. Most people would have stopped at a dozen. Maybe twenty if they were feeling spicy.
Not Ric.
By the time the 90s rolled around, the count had spiraled into the hundreds, then the thousands. It became an obsession. He bought the historic Griffith & Feil Drug Store nearby, but the house—the C-K Pumpkin House—became his true legacy. It’s a 1891-built Queen Anne style home that looks regal during the day, but at night, it transforms into a glowing orange fortress.
People ask why. Honestly? It's about community. In an era where everyone is glued to a screen, thousands of people descend on this tiny town of about 3,000 residents just to look at carved fruit. It’s weird. It’s beautiful. It’s West Virginia.
💡 You might also like: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong
The Logistics of 3,000 Pumpkins
Let's talk numbers because the scale here is actually terrifying if you think about it for more than ten seconds.
How do you get 3,000 pumpkins? You don't just go to Kroger. They have to be trucked in, usually from farms in Ohio or surrounding areas. We’re talking tons of produce. Then comes the cleaning. Have you ever gutted a pumpkin? Now imagine doing it 3,000 times. The "guts" alone fill up massive industrial bins.
The carving isn't just random triangles, either.
- There are faces.
- There are intricate designs of local high school mascots.
- The centerpiece is always the "choir."
The pumpkin choir is a tiered display where the Jack-o'-lanterns are carved with specific mouth shapes to "sing" along to music. It’s synchronized. It’s goofy. And the kids absolutely lose their minds over it.
The Pumpkin House Ceredo Kenova relies on a massive army of volunteers. Hundreds of people from the Ceredo-Kenova area show up with scoops and knives. High schoolers, neighbors, and tourists who just happened to drive by all pitch in. It’s a messy, sticky, chaotic assembly line. If the weather is too warm, the pumpkins start to rot. If it’s too cold, they can freeze. It’s a race against biological decay.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
You might think a house covered in pumpkins is just a tourist trap, but it’s actually the heartbeat of the C-K AutumnFest. This festival draws people from all over the Tri-State area (West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky). It represents a specific kind of Appalachian pride. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about doing something "too much" just because it makes people smile.
📖 Related: Something is wrong with my world map: Why the Earth looks so weird on paper
One year, the house was featured on the HGTV special Extreme Halloween. Another year, it was in Southern Living. But the fame hasn't really changed the vibe. It still feels like a neighborhood block party that got way out of hand.
There’s a specific kind of peace you find standing there on a crisp October night. The glow is soft. The air is cool. It feels like 1955 in the best way possible. You see grandparents holding toddlers, teenagers taking selfies, and old-timers talking about how "Ric really outdid himself this year."
Getting There and Surviving the Crowd
If you’re planning to visit the Pumpkin House Ceredo Kenova, don't just wing it. Kenova is a small town. The streets weren't built for tens of thousands of visitors in a single weekend.
First off, parking is a nightmare. Be prepared to walk several blocks. Honestly, that’s half the fun—seeing the other houses in the neighborhood that have started to step up their own decorating game to keep up with the Griffiths.
Timing is everything. The pumpkins usually hit their peak glow in the few days leading up to Halloween. Go too early, and they aren't all carved. Go too late, and you’re looking at a pile of mushy orange compost. Weeknights are your friend. Saturday night is basically a mosh pit of families and strollers. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, you’ll actually be able to hear the "singing" pumpkins without someone stepping on your toes.
The Realities of Maintenance
Keeping 3,000 candles lit used to be a full-time job for a dozen people. Recently, they’ve transitioned to more efficient lighting methods for some sections, but the spirit remains the same.
👉 See also: Pic of Spain Flag: Why You Probably Have the Wrong One and What the Symbols Actually Mean
Rain is the enemy. A heavy West Virginia downpour can turn the yard into a mud pit and extinguish the magic in minutes. But the volunteers are relentless. They’re out there with lighters and covers, shielding the "art" from the elements. It’s this grit that makes the Pumpkin House Ceredo Kenova so special. It’s a fragile, temporary monument. On November 1st, it’s all over. The pumpkins are hauled away, and the house returns to being a quiet Victorian home on a corner lot.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up and look. To really get the most out of the Ceredo-Kenova experience, you need a plan of attack.
- Check the C-K AutumnFest schedule. The Pumpkin House is the star, but there’s often a bake-off, a parade, and a tractor show happening simultaneously.
- Bring cash. While many vendors take cards now, the local church groups selling hot cocoa and hot dogs often prefer the green stuff.
- Visit Griffith & Feil Drug Store. It’s just down the street. It’s an old-fashioned soda fountain that’s been around since 1892. Get a malt. It’s non-negotiable.
- Dress in layers. The wind off the Ohio River can be biting in late October.
- Respect the property. Remember, this is a real person's home. Stay behind the ropes and don't touch the pumpkins. Every time someone pokes a pumpkin, it speeds up the rotting process.
The Legacy of the Glow
In a world that feels increasingly cynical, the Pumpkin House Ceredo Kenova stands as a weird, flickering beacon of sincerity. It’s a lot of work for a very short payoff. Ric Griffith and his team spend weeks preparing for a display that lasts barely seven days.
That’s the beauty of it. It’s ephemeral.
It reminds us that some things are worth doing simply because they are difficult and delightful. It’s a middle finger to efficiency and a love letter to the Halloween spirit. If you find yourself anywhere near the West Virginia border this October, make the trip. Stand in the orange glow. Smell the squash. Remember what it’s like to be amazed by something as simple as a carved face and a candle.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Confirm Dates: Check the official C-K AutumnFest website or their Facebook page in early October to see the exact "lighting" schedule, as it fluctuates based on the weather.
- Book Lodging Early: Hotels in Huntington, WV, and Ashland, KY, fill up fast during the peak festival weekends. Look for spots along I-64 for the easiest access.
- Plan Your Route: If you’re driving in from out of state, use the Kenova exit off I-64 and follow the signs for the "Pumpkin House." Avoid the main residential arteries if you’re arriving after 6:00 PM to bypass the heaviest traffic jams.