While the 2019 Port Elgin Pumpkinfest (pictured above) drew the usual crowds, the 2020 weigh-off will be broadcast live at pumpkinfest.org.

For the 34th year running, the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest Bruce Power International Weigh-off will continue uninterrupted by the ongoing pandemic.

In a recent Port Elgin Pumpkinfest media release, President Dave Mensher said that although this year has brought some challenges, "our committees have put a solid plan in place to continue our much-loved event while maintaining the safety of our staff, volunteers and growers," adding that social distancing will be maintained with mandatory mask use and a directional traffic plan for the weigh-off.

“With the exceptional weather we’ve had, and the limited number of events this year, this may be the year that we see some long-standing records shattered," said Grower Committee Chair Doug Court, adding that growers have been loyal to Pumpkinfest year after year.

"We wanted to ensure that we could provide a safe venue for our growers to showcase their prize-winning entries in 2020 when many other events have been cancelled," said Court.

New this year, the weigh-off and other events will be broadcast live on Saturday, October 3 at pumpkinfest.org for viewers to experience Pumpkinfest from the safety of their homes. There will be no public attendance or street festival.

“I’ve been really impressed by the creativity our committees have demonstrated this year to enhance Pumpkinfest," said Mensher. “Our Cinderella’s Carriage Car Show will be rolling through Grey-Bruce on Sunday, October 4th to bring the event to our audience while maintaining safety.”

The 2020 weight-off prize structure and other information for growers can be found at pumpkinfest.org/giant-vegetables/prize-list.