Floydada: The Patriotic Pumpkin Capital That's Picking On Illinois

Deep in the heart of Texas, where patriotism grows as tall as the cotton, the tiny town of Floydada ( population 2,700 — yeah, you read that right) has given the libs of Illinois a run for their money. This plucky little place has claimed the title of "Pumpkin Capital of the United States," proving that big things come in small, red-state packages.

Texas' High Plains region — which includes Floydada and stretches across a whopping 41 counties — pumps out 4,000 to 7,000 acres of pumpkins each year. Floydada alone cranks out 1,000 to 1,500 acres annually, with over 175 unique varieties. From your classic jack-o’-lanterns to fancy gourds that'll make your Halloween party the envy of the cul-de-sac, Floydada’s got you covered.

Local farms like Pumpkin Pyle and Assiter ‘Punkin’ Ranch have become household names, supplying grocery stores and fall festivals from coast to coast. And forget about that organic, overpriced nonsense — Floydada's pumpkins are proudly grown right here in the good ol' USA.

How Floydada Became The Great American Pumpkin Stronghold

Take a stroll through Floydada and you'll see pumpkins everywhere — on welcome signs, porches, and even standing tall like statues at local businesses. It's like the whole town is a giant pumpkin patch, and we love it that way!

Every second Saturday in October, Floydada hosts a massive pumpkin party downtown. Gourds galore, jack-o’-lanterns shining brighter than Biden's bald spot — it's a sight to see, folks!

This grand tradition started back in the 1950s when B.A. "Uncle Slim" Robertson and his wife began hawking pumpkins from a small roadside stand, as noted in this official Texas proclamation. What began as a humble operation exploded into a major industry. In the early '90s, Floydada was cranking out 15-20 million pumpkins a year!

But Floydada's pumpkin pedigree goes way back. Legend has it that in the 1540s, some Spanish explorer named Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was saved from starvation by roasted pumpkins, courtesy of the natives near Blanco Canyon.

By the 1980s, Floydada had trademarked itself as the Pumpkin Capital of the United States. And in true Texas fashion, they also dubbed themselves the Pumpkin Capital of Texas. Because if you’re going to do something, do it right.

So next time you're carving pumpkins with the kids, remember: that righteous gourd probably came from God's country, Floydada, Texas.