Pumpkinfest returns

Giant vegetables parade down Wellington Main Street

For the first time since 2019, the muchloved Pumpkinfest parade returned to Wellington Main Street. The day started with a fall bulb sale at the Wellington Museum organized by the Friends of Wellington Heritage Museum. The bulbs, provided by Ben O’Brien from Wild by Design, were a hot commodity, with several varieties being sold out within half an hour. The garden behind the museum had a craft table set up where families could create their very own pumpkin-inspired craft. A Kids’ Zone was set up on the lawn at CML Snider School with a mini petting zoo and a variety of games such as harvest bowling, ring toss and tic-tac-toe. The face-painting stand also proved popular with the little ones. The main event was the Pumpkinfest Parade, which included members of the Wellington Dukes, the County Ukulele Band, the 4-H Club, an assortment of vintage tractors, and the procession of giant pumpkins. These vegetables, grown with loving care and attention to the slightest detail, were being seen by the public for the first time and were on route to the weigh-off at the Wellington Arena. The rain, which had been threatening all morning, came down in earnest as the parade ended. However, that did not dissuade many from continuing to enjoy events in the village, including music by the Fade Kings in the gazebo.

Mayor Steve Ferguson (R) presents a certificate of appreciation to Bob Greer (L) in recognition of the Greer family’s contribution to Pumpkinfest.

The afternoon activity shifted to the Wellington Arena where volunteers from the Wellington Rotary Club helped with the weigh-off of the giant pumpkins. There were noticeably fewer entries than in previous years, but there were still over a dozen giant gourds competing for the crown of heaviest pumpkin. This year’s competition was organized by John and Sue Vincent, and John asked former organizer Bob Greer to say a few words to begin the event. “It’s pretty typical Pumpkinfest weather. It’s cold, it’s wet, but everybody is having a good time. This has been going on for 25 years and I expect it will go on a little while longer. It’s been fun, and I’d like to say that I think things are in good hands, and going forward I think the community will enjoy this event as it evolves over time,” said Greer, whose father, Bill, was one of the original organizers of Pumpkinfest.

Outgoing councillor Mike Harper took the microphone next, and read part of a letter written by Bob Greer’s daughter, Alexandra. “Pumpkinfest is the legacy of our grandfather Bill and his good friend Arnold Vader. It all started with their love for farming and Grandpa’s dedication to serve his community. Wellington and Prince Edward County have evolved greatly, but there is still a great sense of community pride. Dad embodies that every year by working hard to make Pumpkinfest enjoyable for young families. Having facepaint, games and the parade was always as important as the pumpkin weighing itself. Afterwards he would always comment on how good it was to all the kids and the families enjoying themselves. Congratulations Dad for all the hard work you put in over the years for helping build a sense of community and honouring Grandpa’s legacy.”

Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams also thanked Bob Greer for his many years of community service and stressed the importance of farming to Canada and also to the world, noting that farmers will have to find a way to efficiently produce more food for a growing population. MPP Todd Smith was not able to attend, and his assistant Adam Bramburger brought a message instead. “It’s super to be here, and despite the wind and the rain it’s nice to see Wellington a hive of activity again. We have some great growers, like John Vincent and the Langridge family and our friends from eastern Ontario and western Quebec who faithfully come here year after year. They have that magic to bring the great pumpkins. This is a great day for our community and for our local economy,” he said. Mayor Steve Ferguson spoke next, and presented a certificate of appreciation to Bob Greer. “This certificate of recognition to Bob Greer reads as follows. Prince Edward County Council takes great pride in recognizing the Greer family for creating the first Pumpkinfest held in Wellington on October 25th, 1997. I’m honoured to extend congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Pumpkinfest in the County. Thank you for your dedication and valuable contribution to the community. Pumpkinfest brings our community together in friendly competition, a time to have fun, light up the faces of the young and old alike and has created many fond memories over the years,” said Ferguson.