It was exciting news for the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest organization and the many volunteers when it was announced that it was the recipient of a 2022 FE0 (Festival & Events Ontario) Achievement Award.
“Our “Best of Both Worlds” live and virtual event in 2021 was a win for the whole community,” says Joanne Robbins, Pumpkinfest Co-ordinator.”
Even more exciting this year is that Pumpkinfest’s Connie Barker is the recipient of the coveted FEO Volunteer of the Year Award. Announcements were made at the recent virtual FEO Conference.
“I was absolutely blown away by this,” says Barker. “I volunteer because i find it so rewarding and I’m already looking forward to this year’s event, which is going to be a return to ‘normal’ full event.”
“This year, we are also going to have something very special for the youngsters as we are introducing the ‘Come Grow with Us’ program. We are partnering with Home Hardware where kids can sign up and send pictures of the things they are growing over the summer, not giant vegetables like the main Pumpkinfest event, but just things that they have grown. Then, we are going to have a special competition on Pumpkinfest Sunday just for them,” adds Barker enthusiastically. “It’s going to be a fabulous add-on to the festival.”
Barker is also volunteer President of the Chantry Centre 55+ in Southampton. “We are so excited at the many events that are coming up. People are ready to get out and socialize again and there is something for everyone. We are hosting luncheons, such as the Easter Lunch where everyone wears their Easter bonnets and a special Italian lunch on Friday (Apr. 15). There is a full roster of events that we are looking forward to.”
Barker epitomizes the saying … ‘When you want something done, ask a busy person’.
