Pumpkin Fair turnout exceeds expectations

By Irene van der Kloet

On October 1st, Smoky Lake confirmed that it is the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta: At the pumpkin weigh-off, Don Crews from Lloydminster was the winner with a 2537 pounds pumpkin, the biggest in Canadian history! After one year of total cancellation (2020) and another year with an outside farmers’ market only (2021), the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Growers Association and local help went full out in a celebration that has yet to meet its counterpart. It paid off with a massive turnout of an estimated 4500 visitors (or many more?) attending the Pumpkin Fair. No count was held, so one can only guess. Though the weather was not very cooperative, with a thick fog in the morning and grey skies, visitors started streaming into town from near and far at the earliest hours to secure a parking spot. Parking was arranged around the AG Complex, but all streets between downtown and the complex filled up quickly. Shuttle buses ran from the complex to downtown and back all day long. The day started with a pancake breakfast by the Smoky Lake Kinettes. Downtown, the Smoky Lake Iron Cruisers hosted a fabulous car show with various makes and models from way back when to more modern times, all shined up for the occasion by their proud owners. Street vendors lined the sidewalks, the Seniors’ centre held its annual garage sale, and Blue Horse Gallery hosted an Art Show. The farmers’ market inside and outside the Ag Complex attracted so many visitors that it was hard to get through, and it looked like vendors did good business there. Across the street were children’s activities, a petting zoo, a carousel, and other entertainment. The souvenir stand sold toques, hats, sweaters, hoodies and T-shirts. Many people had counted on a warm sunny day but decided they needed an extra layer to stay warm, for, within no time, the souvenir stand sold out toques and warm clothing in the most common sizes. Those who came later had to settle for a much larger or smaller sweater, but anything to stay warm. Since Smoky Lake is a small town, it was easy to get around on foot and visit every attraction, but the buses stopped at every attraction, such as the smaller farmers’ market at H.A. Kostash school. The public was treated to beer gardens, a perogy supper at the Curling Rink, Wine Tasting at Gopher’s Liquor, and a pig roast. After all, on a busy day like this, a person needs fuel to keep going, which was looked after by several vendors and businesses throughout the town. The pumpkin weigh-off and auction were the top attractions, followed by the Pumpkin Drop. The sun finally came out at that time, leaving a warm, sunny impression of a well-organized and successful Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair 2022.