From Field to Ribbon: PumpkinFest at Horton

On Saturday October 25, the Horton Farmers' Market will be hosting their first annual PumpkinFest - a celebration of autumn, the bountiful Southwestern Ontario harvest, and Halloween. As an ode to fall fairs past and present, PumpkinFest will also feature different contest categories including arts and crafts, photography, baking, pumpkin painting and carving, and a costume contest! With chances to win ribbons, Horton Market Dollars, and some sweet treats, now is the perfect time to sign up before some entry windows close! 

The roots of fall fairs lie in the 19th century, when farmers' and agricultural societies formed to share best practices in raising livestock, cultivating crops, and preserving food. These societies held exhibitions and competitions to encourage excellence and innovation. Prizes (often ribbons or modest monetary awards) were incentives, while also creating a sense of community and fun! Competition categories spurred people to grow larger or better-looking produce, to try new techniques, to preserve more skillfully, and to practice arts like baking, sewing, woodworking, and more. 

This year, Horton aims to honour these traditions through a range of competition categories - ranging from celebrating the best of field, kitchen, and craft for all ages. With a rich history of it's own, the Horton Farmers' Market is a gathering place, not just to shop, but to connect with community and support local agriculture.

Why not enter in a few competitions yourself? Have fun, have a chance to win a ribbon and prizes, connect with your local community, and come together to celebrate all things autumn, harvest, and Halloween! Check out the categories below. 

Arts & Crafts Category - Submissions due by October 21 between noon and 5pm. 
Section 1: 5 years of age and under

• Article 1: Paint a thumbkin patch (see photos below for example) 
• Article 2: Colouring contest (pages can be picked up at Horton on Saturday's from 8am until noon until Oct 18)

Section 2: 6 to 9 years of age

• Article 1: Colouring contest (pages can be picked up at Horton on Saturday's from 8am until noon until Oct 18)
• Article 2: Make a hand print pumpkin or Halloween character (see photos below for example)

Section 3: 10 to 14 years of age

• Article 1: Draw and colour a picture of you at the Horton Farmers' Market
• Article 2: Make a pinecone bat (see photos below for example)

Section 4: 14 to 17 years of age

• Article 1: Draw a picture (colour or black and white) of the Horton Farmers' Market
• Article 2: Create a 3D pumpkin (3D printing is NOT allowed)

Section 5: 18 years of age and older

• Article 1: Make a pumpkin or fall themed garland
• Article 2: Paint a fall scene
• Article 3: Draw or paint a morning at the Horton Farmers' Market
• Article 4: Create a 3D pumpkin (3D printing is NOT allowed)

Click HERE for rules and details! 

Photography Category - Submissions due by October 21 between noon and 5pm. 
Section 1: 6 to 11 years of age

• Article 1: Take a photo of your favourite produce at the Horton Farmers' Market
• Article 2: Take a photo of a pumpkin patch or something spooky

Section 2: 12 to 17 years of age

• Article 1: Take a photo of your favourite produce at the Horton Farmers' Market
• Article 2: Take a photo of a pumpkin patch or something spooky

Section 3: 18 years of age and older

• ​Article 1: An abandoned farm, barn, or farm house (do not trespass on properties)
• Article 2: Dramatic fall sky
• Article 3: Macro of a wildflower, pumpkin, or Horton Farmers' Market product
• Article 4: Pumpkin field landscape

Click HERE for rules and details! 

Baking Category - Submissions due by Friday October 24 between noon and 5pm. 
Section 1: 17 years of age or under

• Article 1: Apple Pie
• Article 2: Pumpkin Pie
• Article 3: Zucchini Bread

Section 2: 18 years of age or older

• Article 1: Apple Pie
• Article 2: Pumpkin Pie
• Article 3: Zucchini Bread
• Article 4: Vintage Recipe Muffins

​Click HERE for rules and details! 

Pumpkin Painting or Carving Category - Submissions due by Friday October 24 between noon and 5pm or Saturday October 25 at 8:30am. 
Section 1: 5 years of age and under

• Article 1: Paint a pumpkin

Section 2: 6 to 9 years of age

• Article 1: Paint a pumpkin

Section 3: 10 to 17 years of age

• Article 1: Paint or carve a pumpkin

Section 4: 18 years of age or older

• Article 1: Paint or carve a pumpkin

Click HERE for rules and details! ​

Costume Contest - Register from 10am to 10:30am on October 25. Judging starts at 10:30am! 
​Section 1: 17 years of age and under

• Article 1: Best overall costume

Section 2: 18 years of age and older

• Article 1: Best overall costume

Section 3: Vendors only

• Article 1: Best overall costume

Click HERE for rules and details! ​