The event was originally created after the Town of Port Elgin’s BIA was encouraged to start a shoulder season event or attraction extend the tourist season for the area. What it has become is much more than that.
The first pumpkin weigh-off entitled The Great Pumpkin Event was held in 1986 with a crowd of 200 and a pumpkin weighing 250 pounds.
It has now grown to an event that saw the 2017 and 2018 as years that Canadian Records were broken off in their pumpkin weigh-in arena.
The event has also added a Cinderella’s Carriage Car Show that saw record number of cars attend in recent years.
The event sees over 200 volunteers donate their time to the cause and fundraising for 40 charitable and non-profit groups.
It’s an event not to be missed this weekend. Take in Port Elgin’s Pumpkin Fest October 2nd and 3rd. Hours are 10 to 6 Saturday and 11 until 4 Sunday.
Fore more information you can visit pumpkinfest.org