It’s seeding time for Metz Giant Pumpkin Challenge

METZ - The 2022 Giant Pumpkin Challenge, hosted by the Metz and area community will be the 17th annual event.

The hamlet of Metz is located at Sideroad 25 and Line 3, straddling the township line between the former West Garafraxa and Wellington North.

The date for this year’s weigh off will be Sept. 24, at 8276 Sideroad 25 in Wellington North.

“Hopefully the rain stays away this year and our family picnic day and activities will be full of sunshine,” said organizing committee member James Coffey.

He notes heavy rain did not dim the intense competition at last year’s event.

“We had the most pumpkins ever and the second largest attendance,” he said.

The day includes, crafts and face painting activities, a bouncy castle, miniature train rides, and for the young at heart, the ever famous, pumpkin cannon.

Any pumpkin under 6” is welcome to be blasted out of the cannon.

All are welcome. Attendees can bring their own picnic, but hot dogs and hamburgers are available with drinks, free of charge. Pumpkin pie may also be on the menu.

All health and safety standards are planned for and met, the committee notes.

“Today is the day to get your pumpkins planted,” officials state.

Organizers have a limited number of seeds available on a first-come, first-served basis and hopefully a few plants.

To to take part in the event, register with james.coffy@outlook.com by May 1. To utilize any plants or seeds from the committee forward your name, address, cell and email.

Also anyone can source their own seeds and show up on Sept. 24 to compete.

Categories are:

- Governance, open to all municipalities in Wellington County;

- 20 years of age and older, as of Jan. 1, 2022, which includes “all the experienced people” (plus any business or family entries);

- 13 to 19 years as of Jan. 1, 2022, “good experience for teenagers and growing a pumpkin does have a calming effect on people in general”;

- 12 as of Jan. 1, 2022.

There is also an open age class for giant zucchinis.

What’s in it for you? Bragging rights and a fun family day in the country.

“So, mark it down on your calendars. We have seeds and hopefully some plants to transplant. You can buy Atlantic giants from your seed supplier,” organizers urge.

This event is possible thanks to the volunteers of the Metz Community and the support of Wellington North and Centre Wellington.