Despite the most parched growing season in a decade, the giant pumpkins still made their way to Wellington on Saturday.

The village was aglow in orange. The glories of the autumn season came from across Ontario and Quebec to compete for the pumpkin prize. 20 growers entered 15 Giant Atlantic Pumpkins into competition, and many other jumbo sized fruits and vegetables were on display, the pride of the season.

Jim and Kelsey Bryson of Ormstown, QC had the winning Giant Atlantic. It tipped the toledos at 1,891 lbs. Dave Pitura of Merrickville placed second at 1,540 lbs while Nick Body of Martintown was third overall at 1,355 Ibs.

Fellow Martintown grower Jim Reid claimed the Howard Dill award with an entry weighing 1,145.5 lbs. The award goes to the pumpkin grower with the best looking Giant Atlantic pumpkin weighing over 500 lbs.

Mr. Reid said it was a tougher growing year than usual. He sourced water out of the Raisin River- approximately 800 gallons per day to nurture the award winning entry.

Sue Vincent noted weights in the giant fruit categories were down slightly: giant watermelons and tomatoes suffered in this summer’s drought. But overall, organizers were very pleased with the turnout in terms of entrants and number of people who flocked to the village to revel in the festivities.

“Overall, it was a very good Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest,” said Ms. Vincent.

The annual pumpkin parade was a hit. Folks young and young-at-heart took part in the pumpkin-themed procession.

Other award winners included Mario Spinosa, who won the Bill Greer Award for the heaviest local entry: a 288 pound squash.

Consecon’s Chris Bell was the top local pumpkin producer with 191 pounds.

Belleville’s Aiden Fisher was the 4H award winner as the top rookie grower. Mr. Fisher’s pumpkin came in at 146.5 lbs.

For a full list of the 2025 award winners, please visit https://www.pecpumpkinfest.com .