Ag exhibitions, fairs and contests are part of the year in most of the communities in the Southeast region.
An opportunity for producers to vie with each other for the best of this, the largest of that, these contests prove to be wonderful community events regardless of where they are held.
But of this multitude of shows, the most unique is unquestionably the Fairlight Great Pumpkin Weigh-in.
The cosy community of Fairlight, located between the town of Wawota and the village of Maryfield, is home to some wonderful shopping opportunities, and had celebrated their centennial with a homecoming weekend over the summer.
But for what will now be their 11th year, Fairlight will be holding one of their signature events, The Great Pumpkin Weigh-in.
An event that actually starts in June, when pumpkin growers register to take part in the actual weigh-in, the Great Pumpkin Weigh-in gives people the opportunity to see some of the most gaudy gourds to be grown from the ground up.
"Curiosity killed the cat, and it is curiosity that draws a lot of people to the festival every year," said Brad Metz, the organizer of the Weigh-in. "People hear about 600 pound pumpkins, and they have to come and see it for themselves."
That number is no exaggeration, as the present record holder for the largest pumpkin to be weighed at the show over the past 11 years was 607 pounds, grown by Richard Krainyk.
"It is just a neat thing to come out and see huge pumpkins like that," Metz said. "Or cute little small pumpkins. We do have a category for the smallest ones."
Last year's dinner and weigh-in saw 14 growers take part in the event, with the largest pumpkin, raised by first-time grower Jaida Teed, and that pumpkin tipped the scales at an impressive 447 pounds.
The Fairlight Great Pumpkin Weigh-in is complimented by a dinner, and takes place in the Fairlight hall. Doors open to visitors on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
For the reasonable price of $15, visitors can enjoy a steak or burger meal, complete with a baked potato. The salads and desserts are generously donated by area residents.
Functioning as a fundraiser event for the Fairlight Recreation Board, the event has raised more than $10,000 over the lifespan of the Great Pumpkin Weigh-in.
"Everyone is welcome to come on out and join us for a night of fun," Metz said. "There will be some great food, some fantastic people, and some of the most impressive pumpkins you'll ever lay your eyes on."
The Fairlight Great Pumpkin Weigh-in dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the weigh-in of the pumpkins will take place between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Dinner tickets will be available at the hall on the evening of the event.
For more information please contact Brad Metz at 646-2272.
