Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair Attracts Thousands

Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair Attracts Thousands

Don Crews, (in gray) looks on in astonishment as A.J. Keller announces he has set a new Canadian record.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

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Thousands of people converged on the Town of Smoky Lake on Oct. 1 to take part in a variety of activities that were held throughout the day during the Great White North Weigh Off and Pumpkin Fair.

Wall to wall traffic jammed the main routes and many people walked to the different venues instead of drive. The downtown core was filled with hundreds of vintage and antique vehicles. Crowds were estimated to be upwards of 8,000 people.

The Iron Cruisers Show & Shine drew many people along with the Farmers’ Market which featured over 140 vendors, a variety entertainment, threshing demonstration, kids pavilion and midway, corn maze, art show, perogy eating contest, pumpkin weigh-off and pumpkin drop.

Of course, the pumpkin weigh-off and pumpkin drop are by far the most popular events. Overall the event was a huge success despite the adjustments we made to work around our new school construction and the need for more vendors and more food,” stated Michelle Wright, President of the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Growers.

Tina and Don Crews with their children Christie and Ethan.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Wright said it took around 150 volunteers who helped out with the one day event. The day was filled with special memories and Don Crews special moment came when he was declared champion of the pumpkin

weigh-off. A Canadian record was reached when his pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 2,537 lbs.

The pumpkin grower from the Lloydminster area was ecstatic, along with his wife Tina, son Ethan and daughter Christie. Crews said that growing award winning pumpkins, “Is not simple, but it’s very simple.”

Show ‘N Shine entries.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Crews explained that there are many factors that go into growing pumpkins and he is always learning new things. Things like soil, micro nutrients, temperature, water, and heat are just some of the considerations you must take into account.

This is the 21st year Crews has competed at the pumpkin weigh-off and judging by his passion for growing, it certainly won’t be his last.

Several of the pumpkins, squash, long gourds and watermelon were auctioned off at the end of the weigh-off with half of the proceeds going to the grower and the other half to the Smoky Lake Food Bank. A total $1,750 was raised for the food bank.

Pumpkins making impact with the car during the pumpkin drop

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Amy Cherniwchan, Mayor of the Town of Smoky Lake, has attended and volunteered at the pumpkin fair for the last 20 years.

“It has always amazed me how many people a Small Town could attract! This year was an exceptional year as our residents really put a lot of hard work into their yards and some even came together to decorate various corners around town! I am really proud of our community’s enthusiasm and the effort put forth for the one-day event!”

She said there were a few changes and additions to the pumpkin fair. Things such as no entry fee to the weight off, and a program for sale to help people navigate the town with maps and a schedule of events that provide locations and times. There was a perogy eating contest before the well-received pumpkin drop! There were several more venues and artisans in the downtown core. There were new types of entertainment such as Hulu Hoop dancers, a corn maze, and a new improved kids’ zone. There were additional buses that could accommodate strollers and wagons for our young families.”

Vilna resident Jack MacMullin.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

She went on to say, “This type of event allows for organizations and clubs to fund raise quickly and efficiently. It also encourages residents to work together which brings a sense of pride to the community.”

As well, “This event brings the community together! It is a lot of work for all who are a part of any club or organization but the happiness it brings to the community is worth it! This year’s feedback so far has been to build it into a multi-day event to give people more time to see all the attractions the town has to offer!”