THUNDER BAY – Local growers from around the region were out at Belluz Farm on Sunday for this year's Pumpkin Mania.
The annual event drew in hundreds of spectators for their giant pumpkin weigh-off and pumpkin drop. The fun started off at noon on Sunday with the Thunder Bay District Giant Pumpkin growers having their giant-pumpkins weighed.
Many in the group said that this year's harvest wasn't as great as usual, with the late spring affecting their pumpkin's size, however, most were still able to get their pumpkins over 400 pounds.
Ben Johnson was this year's winner, with his pumpkin weighing in at 1,122 pounds, and second place was claimed by Cliff McLean's 833-pound pumpkin.
After the weigh-off came the pumpkin drop; Two giant pumpkins were dropped from a crane, with one pumpkin filled with candy for the kids.
Johnson, who is also president of Thunder Bay District Pumpkin Growers, encourages anyone who wants to start growing giant pumpkins to contact the group.
"Come grow with us, we have lots of growers that will help encourage and teach you how to grow giants, he said. “We'll do a seminar hopefully in the spring, give out seeds, and get more growers involved and hope to have a bigger turn out and get people hooked."
If any residents want to starting growing or have any questions, you can contact the group through their Facebook page.
