With the first weekend of October here — it can only mean one thing for the area — Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest.
The 24th annual Pumpkinfest ready to sprout this weekend blossoming the town by thousands of tourists.
Sally Hunt — Chamber Events Co-ordinator — notes thanks to some government money this years festival is bigger and better than ever.
Hunt says they received 65-thousand dollars from the Ontario government to put together a “Challenge the Pros” theme in which several professional athletes come to compete and teach at the festival.
Both the men’s and women’s Canadian Professional Beach Volleyball duo’s are coming to square off against local competitors.
Also the “Super Dogs” are putting on shows at Pumpkinfest village at Saugeen District Secondary School at 2 PM Sunday to proceed their pet show at 3 PM
Then the “Crushers” professional BMX team from Montreal will also be there to do demonstrations and two clinics for local kids to learn more of safety and tricks on the bikes.
The two major international weighoffs are happening at the Bruce Power growers tent at the highschool — both Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 AM.
Last year the canadian record for largest pumpkin was hit at Pumpkinfest. (1,678 pounds.)
The largest squash, tomato, watermelon, cabbage, tallest corn stalk as well are measured.
There is also professional pumpkin carving – harvest star search – yuchre tournament and more.
Hunt says a news Friday night event is the Pumpkin Pub crawl with 7 local pubs participating in Port Elgin and Southampton with Shuttle Buses running – another stop on the shuttle is the Saugeen Winterhawks season opener at the Plex.
Hunt says the car show also going on both Saturday and Sunday stretching 10 city blocks with over 400 cars already registered.
Events happen throughout the town with major events such as the vendors – midway rides, craft show and food court happening at Pumpkinfest village at the highschool grounds.
The festival won “Best Community Involvement Award” and the “Best Virtual Campaign Award” from Festivals and Events Ontario in 2009.
A full list of events and times can be found at www.pumpkinfest.org
