Embro Fall Fair celebrates 40 years of pumpkin tradition
- Gary West
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
By Gary West
The Embro and Zorra Agricultural Society marked a milestone this year at the Embro Fall Fair — the 40th anniversary of the Pumpkin Prince and Princess competition.
The contest, first introduced in 1985 by Anne Innes, then homecraft president and a member of the school and children’s fair committee, has become a cherished tradition for local families.
“I always wanted to give each child in this community something to look forward to when coming to the Embro Fall Fair,” Innes said.
With roots in her family’s own farming background, Innes saw the competition as a way to teach students about agriculture — from planting a small seed to nurturing it through weather challenges and other obstacles, just as Oxford County farmers face each season.
Over the years, the competition has instilled values of patience and responsibility. Children may only enter pumpkins grown from the official seeds distributed by Innes, which are specially ordered each year.
To celebrate this year’s anniversary, students at Embro Highland Park Public School and A.J. Baker Public School in Kintore received four regular pumpkin seeds along with one “mystery seed.” The surprise varieties added to the excitement, as no one knew what would grow.
Every entrant received a teddy bear, and special draws were held at each school for a trophy.
On Saturday, the East Zorra Agricultural Society recognized Blythe Dale Sand and Gravel for sponsoring the competition for four decades, along with Anne and Grant Innes for their continued dedication.
This year’s competition drew 120 entries. Winners included:
Pumpkin Princess: Anna Green (A.J. Baker Public School), 8.72 kg pumpkin
Dale Vanderhorn-Goodale (Zorra Highland Park), 7.12 kg pumpkin
Elnora Coates (A.J. Baker), 5.94 kg pumpkin
Pumpkin Prince: Jack Vanderhorn-Goodale (Zorra Highland Park), 9.18 kg pumpkin
Max Green (A.J. Baker), 8.02 kg pumpkin
Landon Innes (Zorra Highland Park), 7.08 kg pumpkin
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