Welcome to Pumpkinfest

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your family to Port Elgin Pumpkinfest on behalf of the citizens of Saugeen Shores.

2012 marks the 26th anniversary of the festival which has become one of Ontario's top events, winning numerous awards. Garnering worldwide attention for its world record-setting giant vegetables and large antique car show, Port Elgin Pumpkinfest attracts crowds of up to 60,000 over the two days and generates a revenue of over $5 million in the area.

Congraulations to the organizing committee and especially to the volunteers whose tireless dedication makes this community event so successful. Your hard work and devotion is greatly appreciated. A special thank you goes out to the generous businesses who are involved in the festival in a sponsorship capacity.

To our visitors: we hope you will have a pleasant experience in Saugeen Shores. Please enjoy all that Port Elgin Pumpkinfest has to ofeer- from giant vegetables to fantastic family entertainment at Pumpkinfest Village and the vast Cinderella's Carriage Antique Car Show in downtown Port Elgin.

See you at Pumpkinfest!

Saugeen Shores Mayor
Mike Smith

From the Pumpkinfest Chairman:

Nina McMeekin

On behalf of the Pumpkinfest Board of Directors I'd like to wish you a GIANT welcome to Pumpkinfest 2012!

After months of planning and organizing, we're delighted this special weekend with family fun opportunities is here once again. To our local community and our first time and returning visitors, we invite you to take in everything this year's festival has to offer. Grab a seat in the big tent to watch the vegetable weigh-off; the excitement as those giants are manoeuvered onto the scales is not to be missed. Meander through the streets of our downtown taking in Ontario's largest 2 day outdoor car show. Find that inspiring gift or unique item for yourself at the ever-popular Artists' Village and Craft Show.

This year's festival brings with it some exciting new events and attractions. Drop by the high school to take part in the celebration of our area's rich arts and cultural community. Over the weekend there will be First Nations' heritage demonstrations, a special art project for the young and the young-at-heart, children's performers and the winning entries from this year's "Sights of Saugeen Shores" photography contest. For the adventurer, we are delighted to feature geo-caching as part of this year's attractions- who knows what treasures you'll find? And, as you travel the festival grounds, don't be surprised if you see a knight in shining armour or a Human Gyroscope. With this festival you never know what is going to pop up!

Pumpkinfest, consistently one of Ontario's Top 100 Events, is truly a community event. It takes the contributions of a wonderful team of staff, generous donations from sponsors, our hardworking and dedicated volunteers, and a HUGE amount of community support to make this event a success. To each individual and group involved, thank-you, we simply couldn't do it without you.

So, whether this is your first or 26th time attending Port Elgin's award winning festival, enjoy the weekend. You're sure to come away with enough good memories to fill a giant pumpkin.

Pumpkinfest Chair

Nina McMeekin