This Week in Photos - October 1, 2026
The annual Metz Pumpkin Fest was held at St. Paul’s United Church on Sept. 26 under blue skies and plenty of sunshine. The tiny, rural hamlet of Metz, located between Arthur and Fergus, comes alive every autumn when scores of families arrive to see the giant pumpkins get weighed in and to enjoy activities such as pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, face painting, bouncy castles, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, a barbecue and more. PHOTO 1: Travis Farrell of Shelburne proudly poses with his 565-pound pumpkin at Metz Pumpkin Fest on Sept. 26. Farrell won the largest pumpkin competition for the second year in a row. PHOTO 2: From left, Blake Tindall, Reid Loper and Coleman Ferrier give a big thumbs up to the giant pumpkins at Pumpkin Fest. PHOTO 3: The wagon ride, compliments of Windy Acres, was a popular activity for families on Saturday. Horses “Buchanan” and “Julia” behaved impeccably for drivers Christine and Brenda. Photos by Sue Hogenkamp
It’s Harvest Season – The Hometown Harvest Sidewalk Sale took place on Sept. 26 from 11am to 3pm – including an array of vendors, seasonal displays and live music – and brought increased activity to Erin in the lead-up to the fall fair. PHOTO 1: The event included a magic show as part of the entertainment. PHOTO 2: Andrew and Nicole Priaulx sold a variety of items at the event. PHOTO 3: Busker Justin Wallace rocks an acoustic guitar as one of the musicians providing live music for the event. Photos by Tristan Clark
Rural romp – PHOTO 1: Mona Sorensen, left, and Alex Themelis of Guelph checked out several destinations on a self-led fall Rural Romp tour around southern Wellington County on Sept. 26. The pair are regulars on the Rural Romp circuits. Sorensen holds up one of the apples she picked at Grounded Getaway on Seventh Line in Guelph/Eramosa before heading to their next stop. PHOTO 2: Food Forest Centre Wellington volunteer Eliza Crosland prepares compound butter for sampling. PHOTO 3: Liz Guthrie samples freshly-pressed apple cider at Food Forest Centre Wellington’s garden plot, located behind the tennis court at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. Food Forest volunteer Brent Bouteiller works the cider press, compressing an apple mash. PHOTO 4: Sara Mauer, left, is all smiles with Marlow Mauer, 3, as they go for a swing at Grounded Getaway in Guelph/Eramosa during the fall Rural Romp. Photos by Jordan Snoebelen
Grass drags – The seventh annual Moorefield Optimists Grass Drags drew more than 1,500 spectators to Driscoll Farms on Sept. 26. Some 205 amateur drivers competed with 250 snowmobiles across more than 415 class entries, including vintage, stock, trail stock, modified and youth classes. The event also featured a vintage sled display, food trucks, vendors, raffles and kids’ activities. Proceeds will support the Optimists’ youth-oriented projects. PHOTO 1: A competitor launches his sled at the starting line. PHOTO 2: Isabella Catteau of Fergus pauses for a photo before competing in the next race. PHOTO 3: Another participant races down the track during the grass drags. PHOTO 4: Members of the Red Necks Dirty Hands team enjoyed not only competing in the snowmobile races, but also the camaraderie behind the scenes in the pits. From left: Jim Arthur, D. Ron, Turtle Tommy, Pete Moniz and Kristina Maclam. Photos by Sue Hogenkamp
PHOTO 1: The third annual Arthur Car Show was held on Sept. 18 at the Arthur Fairgrounds. This year Cara Smith Band played at the show, which also included a food truck and beer garden. PHOTO 2: A 1959 VW Buggy owned by Chris Samuel of Arthur. PHOTO 3: A 1967 Camero owned by Dean Louttit of Fergus. PHOTO 4: A 1967 Chevrolet El Camino owned by Ron and Louise Tone of Cumnock. Photos by Ellouise Thompson
Farmers’ market – The Wellington North Farmers’ Market held its final market of the 2026 season in conjunction with the Wellington North Artisan Showcase at the Mount Forest Sports Complex on Sept. 26. The well-attended event showcased local produce, baking, preserves and flowers, along with handmade artisan creations all in one location. The popular market is expected to return in mid-June of 2027. PHOTO 1: The various vendors on display during the Wellington North Farmers’ Market’s last day of 2026. PHOTO 2: Sierra McNabb, left, and Stacey McNabb Vanderlaan take a brief pause from assisting shoppers to showcase their handcrafted stained-glass art during the artisan showcase. PHOTO 3: From left, Liza Frias, Marlene Bouwers, Sue Tokarsky and Isobel Trachsel represent the Four Corners Quilting Guild. The volunteer-run group has been bringing beginner and master quilters together since 1998, serving as a creative hub for more than 50 members throughout Wellington North and surrounding areas. Photos by Sue Hogenkamp
