Metz Giant Pumpkin Challenge winners – Centre Wellington Mayor and Wellington County Warden Kelly Linton won the governance category of the annual Metz Community Giant Pumpkin Challenge on Sept. 26.
Linton grew his pumpkin in the garden at the Wellington County Museum and Archives site with the help of his father Robert Linton and father-in-law John VanDriel. Linton calls them his “dream team.” The warden said he used horse manure, fertilizer and daily waterings.
Linton beat out many other local politicians with his 370-pound pumpkin, including second place winner MP Michael Chong (160 pounds) and Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson and Senator Rob Black who were in a two-way tie for third place with pumpkins weighing 90 pounds. Robert Linton and VanDriel also grew their own pumpkin, which weighed 270 pounds and won first place in the over-19 category.
Robert Linton, left, and VanDriel.
