Pumpkinfest 2024: Day One – Saturday October 5, 2024 – a family fun-filled day

October 9, 2024

Whether it was the weather, the Giant Vegetable weigh-off, the Cinderella Car Show, the vendors, the midway, the entertainment or a combination of it all, the 39th Pumpkinfest 2024 was a winner.

Although official numbers are not yet in, Saturday, October 5th, saw what it is believed to be a record attendance, along with the largest Cinderella Car show, where there was every year, make and model.

Streets were lined with vehicles of all kinds

In the Saugeen Shores Community Church (formerly the Port Elgin arena), the annual Giant Vegetable weigh-off drew thousands of people throughout the day.

**Chantry Singers opened ceremonies with O’Canada under the direction of Kim Lake**

Several celebrities began the day with a popular fun event – the pumpkin seed contest, to see who can launch a pumpkin seed the farthest for ‘bragging rights’. The winner was Brian Longmire at 49 ft.

(L-R) 97.9theBruce radio personality Brian Longmire, John Peevers of Bruce Powe, Pumpkinfest Pres. John Miller, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Pat O’Connor Rotarian & Constituency Mgr. for MP Ben Lobb, Councillor Dave Myette and Mayor Luke Charbonneau – for large view, Click on Image

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson took seed-launch seriously

Growers honoured Fred Kane who turned 90 and was a founding member of BMTO

Mayor Luke Charbonneau and MPP Lisa Thompshon appreciate the work done by young volunteers

Then, it was time for the official weigh-off to begin for giant vegetables such as pumpkins, squash, gourds and measurement of others.

The annual highlight of the Giant Pumpkins weigh-off saw a site record broken when Jeff Warner of Englehart brought in his 1,966.5 lb. pumpkin beating his personal best of 1,805 lbs.!