By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The Pumpkin toss event returned to Lion’s Head in October 2022 with a new location and new organizers. Pumpkin Chuckin’ Ferndale 2022 was held on October 8 from noon to 3 p.m in a field in Ferndale. The event was co-organized by Charlotte Chinn of LookLocally.ca, Kristal Carey of Throttle Out Productions, and many others working tirelessly for two weeks to pull the event together. Supported by keen volunteers and over 20 sponsors, the day was a tremendous success.
The Ferndale-based event had activities for all ages, from Monster Truck Show and Rides, Pumpkin Catapults, Lawnmower races, Pumpkin Throwing Contests, Petting Zoo, Pumpkin Decorating, Cookie Decorating and crafts, to food and beverages. A large crowd braved the seasonal temperatures and cold wind to enjoy an afternoon out with family and friends.
There was no entrance fee, as the organizers did not want any barriers to attending the event. However, the Lions Club accepted donations for their organization at the Highway entrance. Many on-site activities were by donation and along with food/beverage sales, raised a total of over $1,800 for the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre.
One cannon and a catapult were on site shooting over 20 pumpkins hundreds of feet across the field, to the excitement and many “wows” of the crowds.
Organizer Charlotte Chinn says due to the short notice and with many of the cannons inactive during the COVID years, the 2022 event hopes to lay the groundwork for a bigger, better event in 2023.
Monster Trucks Rides
Hosted by the Carey Family and Throttle Out Productions, Monster Trucks were on display and rides were offered. Drawing huge interest, many people signed up for the opportunity to ride in the back of a Monster Truck. This exciting new activity proved to be a major contributor towards funding the overall event.
Pumpkin Chuckin’ Contest
Another new addition to the event, the Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest attracted lots of contestants with many kids participating. Chinn says “it was a new activity introduced this year to increase interactive engagement at the event.”
There were 3 rounds of Pumpkin Chuckin’ with four divisions: Men’s Division, Women’s Division, Teens Division and Kids Division. Between all 4 divisions, over 100 pumpkins were chucked, rolled, wobbled or tossed down the hill. There were 12 winners in total. This event was also a fundraiser for the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre and raised over $500.
Always exciting, the lawnmower races returned and were cheered on by the crowds. Many racers made it out on short notice and the organizers look forward to more competitors next year!
Chinn says local businesses and neighbours were very supportive in making this event a reality. A collaborative effort by all involved made it a hugely successful event. Ferndale based Bear Tracks Restaurant, raised $1,000 at the event and has donated $500 towards event costs and $500 to the Bruce Peninsula Family Centre’s fundraising total.
The Lion’s Head Shuttle added the Ferndale stop to their route, as an alternative means of reaching the event and a way to alleviate traffic and parking in Ferndale. This also helped increase accessibility for those less mobile. There were still some parking issues given the large turnout. The organizers say actions will be taken next year to improve parking.
The organizers thank their sponsors which included The Carey Family, Look Locally Bruce Peninsula, Ferndale Lions Club, Garden in Thyme Country Market, Bruce Peninsula Family Centre, Bear Tracks Inn and Restaurant, Roadside Convenience & UPI Ferndale, The Klerks Family, The Shops at 84 Main, Scotts Home Hardware, Hellyer’s Foodland, Bruce Peninsula Septic Service, The Booth Takeout & Catering, Peninsula Out of Doors, Leo’s Closet, The McLay Family, The Hayes Family, The Mielhausen Family, Lion’s Head Farmers’ Market Band Members, Rotary Club and others.
Anyone interested in participating in next year’s planning is encouraged to reach out to Charlotte at LookLocally.ca.
