This season has been a challenge for many reasons and as such the organizers of PEC Pumpkinfest in Wellington have been reluctant to release our final plans, pending charging government regulations. As of now, the public festival as well as the parade etc. are cancelled. The Prince Edward County Pumpkin Growers, will be hosting a private (GPC sanctioned) weigh off on October 17th, same Saturday as in the past. We have to review the prize structure as of yet, but it will be similar to past years.
Unfortunately, because of the new restrictions of 25 people maximum at a public event, we will be weighing by appointment and streaming the entire weigh off over the internet. We will be asking at all fruit be preregistered and we will schedule a time for your fruit to be weighed. We will have the area cordoned off and allow one or two trucks in the weigh off area at a given time. If you are waiting for your weigh off slot, you will be asked to remain in your vehicle. Once you enter the weigh off area, you will be unloaded, weighed/ measured and reloaded, at which time you will need to exit the weigh off and allow the next appointment.
At the end of the event we will hold a virtual awards presentation, and prize money cheques will be mailed out.
As the Covid-19 situation is ever evolving, please assume that some of this format may change and check back often for updates.
We will publish a preregistration form here which can be printed off, scanned and returned, or if you don't have that ability, just email me the info and we will attempt to organize this mess! I will also be sending an email with the form to all prior participants.
I appreciate this is not an ideal situation and your patients and co-operation will be much appreciated.
UPDATE!
As I said above, this situation is ever evolving. We now have clearance from the local health unit to hold a somewhat normal weighoff, instead of the by appointment thing. The County of Prince Edward has come to the table to provide some resources, including security staff to allow us to have a 100 people outdoor event. Apparently the 25 people thing only applies to unsupervised events, such as a backyard party. We are boing told that the weighoff staff, lifting crew, judge and security staff etc. are not included in the 100 people limit!
We will still need to practice self distancing rules and wear face coverings, however we will be weighing in a somewhat normal manner. We would still appreciate everting being preregistered.
There will be security staff monitoring the number of people inside the weigh off bubble. When you arrive, you will be handed a #card. We are capped at 100 so , please try to keep your contingent to the least number of people possible. Please be prepared that if you are a plus 1 and we have more growers than spots, you may be asked to give up your space for a grower.
As before, stay tunes for updates.....UGH1