Pumpkinfest packs Waterford

Makinley Payne points up to her one-tooth wonder pumpkin... way up there!

Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

Who would have thought, back in 1992 when the very first Pumpkinfest was celebrated, that it would grow to become one of the most popular community events around?

Since then, it has become an annual – and very popular – tradition in Waterford, and the Oct. 17-19 edition has just been ‘put to bed’ for another year.

As always, the festival started to take shape Thursday when volunteers ‘built’ pyramids in the arena parking lot, made from the hundreds of handcrafted pumpkins, designed and carved by local students. It was most definitely a bit hectic, maybe even crazy, but all part of the fun of Pumpkinfest. What imagination local school children have! Thank you Cleaver Orchards for once again donating apples for all of the kids.

Friday night, for many, means hot dogs and sausages prepared by Waterford volunteer firefighters (Norfolk County Station 3). It was ‘all hands on deck’ to feed the hungry, and feed them they did until all was gone. Thanks again!

It was then off to the arena to check out the hand-carved pumpkins and try to find your little one’s pumpkin... somewhere in the hundreds. They were all true works of art.

It wasn’t long until the cars and crowd arrived to get a good vantage point for the official start of Pumpkinfest. Every year the festivities begin with a ‘BANG’ with one of the best... if not the best... display of fireworks anywhere around. The threat of rain and a light shower didn’t dampen the spirits of thousands that gathered early to get that perfect spot for viewing. When the show began there were lots of oohs and ahhs from the crowd and nobody cared if they got a bit wet. What a show!  

Saturday brought lots of sunshine and a beautiful fall day for the annual Pumpkinfest Parade. There were dozens of great floats, a lot of antique and classic cars, animals, tractors... the list goes on. But I have to admit that the highlight for most everyone had to be the Grand Marshall of the 2025 parade – Shane Bergman. Bergman grew up in this area, attended school in Norfolk County and proved himself a great football player. He went on to earn a position as an offensive lineman for the Calgary Stampeders and is a two-time Grey Cup champion, in 2014 and 2018, and a CFL All Star in 2019. Bergman has made Norfolk County very proud of him!

There was much to see and do after the parade both downtown and at the arena with several food vendors and a very scary Spookhouse! The entertainment stage at the arena featured many local talented entertainers as well. A short walk across the field to the high school and you could check out local crafters and vendors or take in the 2025 Waterford Pumpkin Bowl football game. The local Waterford Wolves, however, fell to the undefeated Delhi Raiders.

Sunday saw some gloomy weather and threats of rain so the Classic Car Show did not have as many entrants as last year but the true diehards were there. We strolled through the rows of cars, stopped to chat with some of the owners and grabbed a few pics. Thanks to those who brought their cars, and we hope for better weather next year.

Pumpkinfest wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Marketplace in the WDHS gyms. After checking out the cars it was a great stop to not only warm up but there was a wide variety of crafts and ‘goodies’ to be had...and even some yummy samples. The event was well attended and worth the price of admission.

One annual Sunday event, the Soap Box Derby, had to be cancelled due to the threat of rain. So much work had gone into creating and building the cars that organizers felt they had to do something. In stepped the owners of Springview Farm Golf Course on Culver Road. Emails went out to all entrants and parents inviting them to load up their cars and head to the course. The 17 cars and drivers had a chance to run their carts down a little hill just outside the clubhouse. The kids loved it and so did spectators. Prizes were awarded for creativity in building their carts. Congratulations to the winners and a ‘high five’ to all entrants!

More than 150 walkers, runners and rollers participated in either 2-km, 6.5-km or 13-km distances in the fun and inclusive event, Walk Run ‘n Roll. Whatever their time the hope of the Pumpkinfest committee was that participants have fun and enjoy the beauty of the Waterford trails. Congrats to all who took part!

The new Boots, Beats & Pumpkins Line dancing event sold out in record time. Held at the Ukrainian Hall, the instructors from Urban Cowboy led the groups of both beginner or seasoned dancers, and it was a hit!

Organizers are also very happy and overwhelmed with the response to their clothing sales. They appreciate all who purchased their clothing and once again it was a sellout. New this year was the 2025 Pumpkinfest pin. There are still a few left, so if you would like to purchase one contact them at pumpkinfest@pumpkinfest.com.

Pumpkinfest is 100% volunteer run so hats off to all of those who work so hard to make each year a success. Funds raised support such local organizations as the School Nutrition Program, Norfolk General Hospital, the Lions Foundation Guide Dogs, Guide Dogs Canada, Grand Erie School Bursaries, local minor sports programs, Brownies, Girl Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts as well as a Christmas Family Basket program. Many hands make for light work so if you would like to get involved next year email pumpkinfest@pumpkinfest.com or call 519-443-4944. They welcome new volunteers and look forward to hearing from you.

Congratulations and thank you to this year’s committee and volunteers for a job well done!