A popular harvest-style event is taking place again this year at Cornerstone Landscaping Supplies.
The third annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is being held on Saturday, Oct. 25 at their location at 3477 10th Line, just east of the Hwy 400 bridge. The fun starts at noon and runs until 4 p.m.
“This event has been a huge success in the past and we are anticipating an even better turnout this year with all the additional family activities,” said Cornerstone general manager Roy Lee. “We are always surprised by the number of people who dedicate and commit themselves to grow these monstrous vegetables.”
Russ Landry a pumpkin grower near Thornton who helps Lee organize the fun, says the afternoon at Cornerstone is “a Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) event. The GPC runs 68 weigh-off sites around the world. It’s like the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for giant pumpkin growers.”
Using good soil with lots of organic matter is the key to raising mammoth pumpkins, Landry says. Recently, he entered a 1,041 lb. pumpkin and a 973 lb. squash in a tournament in Port Elgin. His squash finished in second place and ranked sixth in the world.
There’s quite a financial incentive for pumpkin growers, too at this year’s festival, Lee says. First prize is $1,000. The second largest pumpkin will generate a $300 payout. Third, fourth and fifth place receive $200, $100 and $50 respectively.
Lee says he expects entries from as far away as New York and Quebec.
And what happens to giant pumpkins after all the fanfare has died down?
“The past two years, we’ve sold some to Canada’s Wonderland,” Landry replies. “We harvest the seeds from the others and sell them to growers around the world.”
Family entertainment includes pumpkin decorating, a kids costume contest, jumping castle, games and a BBQ.
For more information, call Lori Alexander at 431-2504.
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Light snow and -8°C
Light snow and -8°C
