MANITOWANING—Assiginack held its first annual Pumpkin Festival this past Sunday with over 130 individuals in attendance.
The well attended event included craft vendors, horse and wagon rides from Councillor Bob Case, pumpkin-themed games, a seed spitting contest, baking contest, best decorated/carved jack-o’-lantern contest and a pumpkin catapult contest.
“Councillor Brenda Reid (who judged the best decorated pumpkins) brought the idea forward for a pumpkin festival several months ago,” explained Jackie White, Assiginack events coordinator. “We thought it was a great idea and gave it a try. Our goal (for attendance) was 65, so we were thrilled with how many people came out. We had a lot of positive response from people and lots of ideas for next year.”
The winners of the highly anticipated pumpkin catapult contest and the winner of the $100 cash prize was Delbert Susa of Parry Sound and Andy Roque of Manitowaning.
Other entries included Delmar Fields, Bob White and Michael and Jason Quackenbush.
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In the best decorated pumpkin contest in the seven-years-old and under category, Tieren Noble Stone came in first followed by Grace Pennie in second and Alexis MacDonald in third. In the eight and nine years category Amanda Jones was awarded first place, Jocelyn Kuntsi in second and Emily Roque in third. Hailey Van Den Heuvel placed first in the 10 and up category, followed by Lane Phillips in second and Chloe Peltier in third. Judge’s choice went to Jack Pennie.
As for the baking contest, Vivian Villeneuve came in first in the adult division followed by James Mann in second. First place in the youth division went to Danny James, Malachi Putman, Von Clayton and Joel Lovelace. In second was Ella Stewart, Connor Phillips, Jasmine Hrynyk-Seabrook, Karlee Lentir and Peyton Pitawanakwat and in third was Ryan Jones and Jason Quackenbush. Judge’s choice went to Sarah and Elena Hovingh, Sophie Bondi and Maylen Moffatt.
A fun day was had by all who attended the festival and it was clear by the large crowd that the event is sure to become a fall favourite in the community.
