The winning and record breaking pumpkin from the 2020 virtual festival was that of Jane and Phil Hunt of Cameron Ontario. For the full story visit saugeenshoreshub.ca/news/5722-pumpkinfest-2020-marks-a-record-breaking-year.

The team at Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is pleased to announce the receipt of a Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) Achievement Award for their 2020 event at the recent FEO Summit. In a March 2 media release, the criteria for FEO Achievement Awards were for an event's ability to "Adapt - Pivot - Evolve" in these challenging times.

“When we read the criteria for the 2020 awards submission, all three of the criteria words certainly hit home for Pumpkinfest 2020," said Pumpkinfest Coordinator Joanne Robbins. "I am immensely proud of the whole Pumpkinfest team, friends and sponsors, who saw the value in moving forward through a COVID-19 challenging year. This award belongs to all of us," Robbins said.

The submission elaborated on the festival's innovations in 2020 including the live streamed Bruce Power International Weigh Off, the drive through OPG Pumpkin Pack Wednesdays, the OLG Cinderella’s Carriage Virtual Car Show and the web based Bruce Telecom Harvest Star Search Talent Show.

"Adapt - Pivot - Evolve. These aren’t just buzz words; they are strong pillars for the event industry as we move from 2020 into the new year," read the release, adding that the team is ready for the challenges 2021 bring.

To see uploaded pictures and videos from Pumpkinfest 2020, visit www.pumpkinfest.org.

To see the full 2020 livestream, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyMYVy5j12w.