Fun for the whole family at Cornerstone's Giant Pumpkin Competition
by Michelle Minnoch

The scale is ready and waiting at Cornerstone Landscaping's Annual Pumpkin Growing Contest.

Pumpkin growers from across Canada and the northern United States will be loading their pick-ups and coming to Innisfil for this known competition.

The doors open at 7:30 am Saturday morning for those to register. Growers will meet at 11:30 am before the weighing starts at noon.

Categories include largest pumpkin, prettiest pumpkin, largest pumpkin from Innisfil, largest watermelon, tallest corn, longest gourd and biggest tomato. No pre-registration is required.

This family fun event will include food supplied by King's Buffet in Barrie, and a beer tent courtesy of Robert Simpson Brewery. Kids can play in the jumping castle, get their face painted or take part in a colouring contest. There is free admission for the event.

Those submitting entries outside of Innisfil have a chance of winning a top prize of $1000. Innisfil residents can win up to $200 for their large vegetable. There will also be a 50/50 draw for all to participate in, guessing the weight of a pumpkin.

It is expected there will be 20 entries from outside of the Town, and 10 from local growers.

Last year the competition was rated in the top ten of its kind in the world.

Cornerstone will also be selling pumpkin seeds for those who want to try their hand at it next year, as well as CD's regarding how to grow your own giant pumpkin. Experts will also be onsite to answer questions.

(left) Russ Landry and Roy Lee of Cornerstone Landscaping with their giant pumpkin. photo by Michelle MInnoch