There was no doubt that Mother Nature cooperated and brought her finest to the 2022 Pumpkinfest celebration in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) on Saturday (Oct. 1-2), with sunny skies and warm temperatures.
By the crowd attendance and long line-ups to enter, it appeared that thousands took in the event on opening day Saturday, October 1st (2022).
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Goderich Street (Hwy. 21) through the town was lined for blocks with vehicles for the Cinderella Car Show as thousands of visitors strolled the street taking in the wide variety of classic vehicles.
While many took in the car show, others were interested in another star attraction, the weigh-off of the giant vegetables inside the Missionary Church (former arena).
The opening ceremony began with the Chantry Singers, who performed the National Anthem and their rendition of ‘Johnny Appleseed’ vs ‘Johnny Pumpkin seed.’
As part of the opening in the past, there was the fun pumpkin seed spitting contest by celebrities however, due to COVId, the contest turned into a sling-shot shooting competition.
From giant pumpkins to cabbage to gourds of extraordinary lengths, visitors were amazed at the size of the giant vegetables.
Each year, everyone hopes to see a 2,000 lb. pumpkin and this year’s entry by Dave McQuay of Delhi (ON) came close weighing in at 1,888.5 lbs., with John Butler of St. Thomas taking first place with his 1,335.5 lb. squash.
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One of the record breakers, grown by John Butler of St. Thomas (ON) was the sunflower at 332 inches, which is the North American record.
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The growers are continually encouraging young people to become involved in agriculture and the production of vegetables and, in particular, cultivating the giant species of vegetables.
Southampton’s Andy Jacobi raised two sunflowers that he entered into the competition and his second endeavour at 148.75 inches came in fourth in the adult growing class.
Outside, people took in the midway and the wide varieties of foods that were available all weekend long.
At the Port Elgin Legion, the artisan craft show featured hand-crafted items from pillows to jewellery, homemade syrups to chicouterie boards.
The two-day Pumpkinfest is over for another year but, already, plans are underway for Pumpkinfest 2023.
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