Pumpkinfest wins Innovation Award and Coordinator is inducted into Hall of Fame

At the Niagara Falls, Ontario March 8th awards ceremony of Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO), the 2023 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario were announced.

Submissions from FEO members were received for consideration in the fall of 2022 and were judged by an independent panel of judges. Festivals and events of all kinds from every corner of Ontario were represented in the submissions – from community festivals to internationally recognized events.

These Top 100 recipients represent festivals and events that excel within the industry and Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest was again among the 100 top winners bringing home the hardware’ this week with its win of three awards for 2022.

The long-running Pumpkinfest weekend, held in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores) each October, is consistently a winner with its innovative ideas.  The “Best of Both Worlds” live and virtual event in 2021, during the pandemic, won the FEO Achievement Award and that same year, the FEO Volunteer of the Year Award went to Connie Barker.

In addition to being a Tip 100 festival, Pumpkinfest won two more awards – Innovation Program and a surprise award!

Home Hardware a winner (L-R) John Castles, Val Martin, Sara Sloan, Joanne Robbins of Pumpkinfest, Dave Norman & David Yules

Pumpkinfest 2022 was proud to partner with Port Elgin Home Hardware to present a 2022 Spring “Grow With Us” promotion to encourage gardeners of all ages and caliber to join in the fun of growing a garden – whether a GIANT or just a small vegetable garden.  Not only did this innovative partnership promote environmental stewardship, but it also gave youth the chance to experience the joy of growing their own vegetables and being front and center on the Festival main stage.

“We were so excited to be part of the Grow With Us program,” said Sarah Sloan co-owner of Home Hardware in Port Elgin and Southampton, “and we look forward to continue working with Pumpkinfest in the future. We are extremely pleased with this recognition and will continue this programming in future years.”

Also at the Awards Ceremony a very surprised Joanne Robbins, Pumpkinfest Coordinator, was called to the stage to accept induction into the FEO Hall of Fame for 2023.

Photo by Connie Barker at FEO Awards Ceremony

“I am honoured and humbled to accept this award and join the 47 Hall of Fame recipients.” says Robbins.  “I’ve been very blessed with creative Board members, a supportive community and a Municipality that goes above and beyond to help stage this festival.

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest has been a member of FEO since it’s beginning and I must give credit to this great organization for offering the learning and education support to the industry.  They have certainly aided us in our ongoing success!”