Event Reports

Pumpkinfest Puts Waterford, Ontario On The Map

by Harold Merton

Smaller communities can sometimes be great sources of destination entertainment. One of the main reasons is that when a smaller town puts on an event the people really get involved and there is an abundance of volunteer manpower during the event itself to not only get things done but to get it done properly.

We found one example of this last year when we visited the Waterford Pumpkinfest held in Waterford, Ontario just before Halloween.

The three day event is held on a weekend just prior to Halloween itself running Friday to Sunday. Pumpkinfest is exactly what the name implies - pumpkins, decorations and fun along the Halloween theme.

This small community of 3,000 people located about 30 kms south of the Brantford and about 15 km north of Simcoe in Southern Ontario, is a convenient drive from a great many major cities. It is a fun-filled family event with something for everyone from the locals to those who want to drive in for a day or two. The emphasis is on family fun and you won't find any beer tents there. A committee of about ten active people under the chairmanship of Wanda Goode do the planning throughout the year and then are assisted during the event by hundreds of local volunteers.

The highlight of course would be the huge display of pumpkins at Main and Alice Streets in the centre of town.

The special display shelving that was built holds an unbelievable number of pumpkins of all sizes. The largest probably holds 800 pumpkins, all carefully crafted by the elementary school children. Adjacent to this huge display are about four other smaller similar displays used to showcase the nearly 1,500 pumpkins the local youngsters carve with delightful Jack-O-Lantern faces. I have never seen as many carved pumpkins in one place before as I did there. It is interesting to note that a local man grows and donates the 1,500 pumpkins each year. Members of the Pumpkinfest committee pick them up and deliver them to the local schools so the children can carve the faces. These are just a little bit different than the ones at home because the pumpkins for this display have the hole in the bottom so that they can be placed over the lights on the display rack so they can be lit at night.

One of the major attractions of the event is a huge craft show held in the high school and arena. If you like craft shows then this is a big one! There are probably 150 to 200 crafters that fill the community area and the local high school almost next door. The quality of the goods here is top rate too and that in itself is one reason why so many people flock to Waterford for this event.

On Friday the Spookhouse Museum opens about 5 p.m. while there is entertainment on Alice Street sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. This runs from about 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There's also a carnival taking place downtown throughout the weekend and entertainment continues at 7 p.m. at the Arena and the Legion. Weather permitting there are fireworks about 8:30 p.m. At the ball diamonds adjacent to the arena.

Throughout the weekend you can see homes and businesses decorated for Halloween. The local people do their best to see if they can capture one of the decorating awards for both daytime and nighttime displays.

On Saturday the Pumpkinfest Express Wagons start carrying people through town at about 9 a.m. Approximately seven years ago the Pumpkinfest Committee decided to get permission to close the town to traffic for safety reasons. The Express Wagons pick people up at the parking lots set up at the entrances to town and deliver them throughout the festivities.

Several venues offer sit down meals and the Firehall holds an open house.
Live entertainment starts at the Arena about 11 a.m. and runs to 7 p.m.
There is a Costume Contest and Bike Decorating Contest at 10 a.m.
11:30 they judge the parade entries, just before the parade begins at noon.
In the early afternoon there is a Pumpkin Putt, entertainment and a mini tractor pull starts about 3 p.m.
Saturday evening there is a Costume Dance at the Legion which is free of charge.
On Sunday October 21st the Pumpkin Express Wagons start about 9 am and run until 7 p.m.
There is a Brunch at the Legion with proceeds going to youth work.
At 9 a.m. you can head over to the playfield by the high school for the massive car and motorcycle show.
The Spookhouse is open again on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Soap Box Derby on Lingwood Drive at 12:30 p.m. followed by Chicken Chariot Races in the Arena.

Last year there were over 1,000 vehicles on display however Pumpkinfest spokesman Doug Montgomery told Scope that it was an extremely good year for weather in 2000 which probably boosted the car total higher from the normal 600 or so that usually attend. Many people wander the car show for hours. Of course the Craft Show is going on at the same time and it is right beside the car show so this is a perfect husband and wife combo.

Is is estimated that on their best year they had over 100,000 people visit the Pumpkinfest over the three day event. Our contact told us they expect the total was about 80,000 last year. That's not a bad draw for a town of about 3,000 people.

There is plenty to do during this fun-filled weekend. If you would like more information you can contact the Pumpkinfest office at 519.443.4944. They also have a web site at Pumpkinfest and can receive email at Pumpkinfest If you plan on camping in the area remember that this is late October and many campgrounds are closed for the season. Check your campground directory and you should be able to find a few within a short drive. This event also makes a great day trip if you want to take the family to something that is really different.

I am sure you will enjoy it - we really did!

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