Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 03, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov
Powhatan State Park to host 3rd annual Pawpaw Festival
Enjoy the nation’s largest fruit and Pawpaw themed activities
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan State Park)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Pawpaw fruit and seeds)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Running the Pawpaw 10-mile race at Powhatan State Park)
POWHATAN, Va. – The 3rd annual Pawpaw Festival will take place at Powhatan State Park on September 20 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at multiple locations throughout the park. Guests will be able to hear acoustic music performances, partake in ranger-led programs and experience live animal demonstrations.
Pawpaw trees are the largest edible fruit trees in North America and have been enjoyed by humans since the mid-sixteenth century. Many species of wildlife also love the pawpaw fruit such as the beautiful Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly, whose caterpillars eat the foliage of trees.
“The Pawpaw Festival has been growing each year, and we are proud to have this annual event be a staple for the park,” said Powhatan State Park Manager Amelia Hulth. “We hope to spread more awareness about the Pawpaws and the species they attract while educating guests where these trees can be found in Virginia.”
Also back this year is the Pawpaw 5 and 10 mile race from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Participants will run the exterior trails of the park that feature a mix of terrain. This is a benefit race for the Friends of Powhatan State Park, a local volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Powhatan State Park.
The Pawpaw 10 Miler is a participant in the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series, sponsored by Dominion Energy and is directed by Virginia Adventures. Registration fees start at $50 per runner. Click here to register.
“These Adventure Series races are a great way to win valuable prizes and experience the wide variety of parks in our system,” said Virginia State Parks Promotions Manager Steve Boyd.
The event costs $20 per vehicle and will also feature beer trucks, family and nature programs, and live music.
For more information about these events reach out to Amelia Hulth via email at amelia.hulth@dcr.virginia.gov.
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