JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 11, 2019 – Pawpaws are a natural Missouri fruit that ripen in September. Join in this year's search for Missouri's largest pawpaw! Entrants can bring their pawpaw for weigh-in at the Bennett Spring Nature Center beginning Saturday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 21. Entries are accepted 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The largest pawpaw will win a certificate and prize. Photos of the participant and entry will be taken at weigh-in. Only Missouri pawpaws are eligible.
Following final weigh in Saturday, Sept. 21, the contest winner will be announced. Locally made pawpaw bread will be available for tasting and a program discussing state animals and minerals with special recognition to the pawpaw, our newest state fruit tree as declared by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, will also be held following the announcement.
Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon. For more information about the event, call the nature center at 417-532-3925 or fish hatchery staff at 417-532-4418.
For more information about Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit the web at https://mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.