Novice grower Ryan Hicks of London was shown the traditional “Pumpkinfest Bum Dance” by Dave Middleton in the Growers’ Tent, 2016.

Hub Staff

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest, now in its 31st year, is weeks away and the team at the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce is in the final throes of organizing the annual event that draws thousands to Port Elgin.

The two-day event will take place September 30 and October 1 in downtown Port Elgin and organizers are hoping pumpkin growers will again break records. Pumpkinfest Committee member Joanne Robbins said to expect giants and more pumpkins than in years past because Quebec weigh-offs are not taking place.

New sponsor 7Acres will sponsor the Celebrity Seed Spitting contest and will be set up in the growers area located inside the Missionary Church. Returning sponsor OPG will bring Mad Science to Pumpkinfest where young scientists can create and experiment and Boston Pizza will sponsor a Chainsaw Carver who will make his mark on the second day of the festivities.

The festival returned to its previous downtown location in 2016 and organizers say it was a successful move as it brought the festival back to its roots. Pumpkinfest started as a small vegetable weigh-off in Coulter Parkette. “It takes us back,” said Robbins. “It’s a great time to reflect and with Canada’s 150th, to reflect back to where this all came from. We’ve gone from being amazed at a 200 pounder that will probably, if the growing season is right, will weigh in a 2,000 pounder this year... that’s huge to think that they’re that big.” Robbins added that Huron Tractor will sponsor the heavy machinery used to transport the gargantuan veggies.

Car enthusiasts will have an opportunity to take in the free Cinderella Classic Car Show, where many eye-catching vehicles will line the streets in downtown Port Elgin.

Participants are to be reminded that there is no pre-registration this year and the entrance will be located at Gustavus and Waterloo streets. More information and license plate details can be found at www.pumpkinfest.org/carshow/carshow/[http://www.pumpkinfest.org/carshow/carshow/].

Robbins said that Pumpkinfest runs on large volunteer hours and anyone wishing to lend a hand is asked to contact the Chamber of Commerce or e-mail pumpkinfest@saugeenshores.ca for more details. She noted that September 30 is a PA Day for school aged children and welcomes students to help decorate the main village and help with set-up.

“The new set-up leaves the alleyways open,” said Robbins who also mentioned Green Street to Bricker Street will remain open to the public.

Members of Pumpkinfest will be seeking approval from Councillors during the September 11 Committee of a Whole to close down the “village” area from Friday, September 29 at 10 a.m. through to Sunday, October 1 at 5 p.m., for the safety of the volunteers.

The Pumpkinfest Village will consist of Mill Street to Gustavus (Post Office and Cenotaph will remain open) and Hilker Street to Bricker, including the Municipal parking lot behind the Queen’s Bar & Grill. The parking lot will house the marketplace and entertainment tent which will showcase local talent throughout the weekend including the Harvest Star Search Competition, taking place September 30 and sponsored by Bruce Telecom.

Tickets for the event are now on sale with family passes available from the Chamber of Commerce and Southampton Visitors’ Centre for a cost of $20. Adult passes are $7, with children and seniors’ tickets $5 ea. Children under 5 are free.

The annual Pub-Kin Crawl will again take place on the Friday evening, September 29, and the S.S. Trolley will safely deliver crawlers to their destination. The Trolley will have a onetime cost of $5 and will require a wristband.

Stand by for an official Pumpkinfest map or visit www.pumpkinfest.org for further details.

Bus pickup locations include Southampton Market, Southampton Town Hall parking area, Holiday Park Campground (Southampton), Kenorus Campground (Highway 21), the former Dunblane & Turner location (Port Elgin), The Plex , Port Elgin Main Beach parking area, and Giant Tiger parking area.

Accessible parking will be located on Gustavus Street, persons in need of accessible parking are asked to follow the “growers” signs.