Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fair celebrates 35 years

By Brandie Majeau
The Smoky Lake Great White North Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fair celebrated its
milestone 35th anniversary, marking another successful chapter in this always highly
anticipated annual event. This year, the fair attracted thousands of enthusiastic
attendees who flocked to witness and participate in a weekend dedicated to all things
pumpkin, creating a weekend experience filled with excitement and community spirit.
Guests had the opportunity to explore an artisan market featuring unique and
handmade products, allowing locals to boast their exceptional talents at creating
everything from art to food to pumpkin hats. Amid the busy afternoon, families indulged
in delicious treats, including delightful pies and refreshing pumpkin spice lagers.
Saturday also featured a show and shine, where car enthusiasts admired a variety of
unique and antique vehicles. With the museum and corn maze open, the food, the
wagon rides, Ukrainian showcase, and more, guests found something to keep them
busy the entire weekend.
The fair was a hub of activity, featuring a host of family-friendly attractions that
captivated visitors. A live pumpkin carver demonstrated incredible artistry, while children
enjoyed the midway, filled with fun rides and games. The crisp autumn air was alive with
laughter and excitement, complemented by the sounds of cheers as pumpkins were
weighed, echoing throughout the town.
One of the highlights of the event was, as always, the annual pumpkin drop, a
whimsical tradition where massive pumpkins are hoisted high into the air and dropped
onto vehicles below. This year, the spectacle included the dramatic smashing of a
Volkswagen car, providing an epic display of vegetable carnage that had the crowd
cheering and screaming.
The crowning moment of the weekend came with the announcement of the
pumpkin weigh-off winners. This year’s champion was Don Crews from Lloydminster,
who impressed everyone with his enormous pumpkin weighing in at an astounding
1,368.5 pounds. Close on his heels was Dustin Christensen of Smoky Lake, whose impressive entry weighed 1,363.0 pounds.
The Smoky Lake Great White North Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fair was not just a
celebration of pumpkins but a commendation to the hard work of volunteers, vendors,
local municipalities, and the supportive attendees who make everything possible. Thisyear recorded their largest turnout to date, underscoring the event’s growth and
significance within the community. As the fair concluded, organizers reflected on the
immense gratitude they felt toward everyone involved, looking forward to many more
successful years to come.