Andy T and Sunday are ready for the Great Lakes Commonwealth Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off contest on September 25
Linus and Snoopy won’t be there, but a whole lot of “Great Pumpkins” will be on display at Andy T’s Farm Market for the Great Lakes Commonwealth Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off contest. Giant pumpkin growers from around the Great Lakes region will vie for prizes – and big bragging rights – at the fun event that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 25.
Andy and Sunday Todosciuk have hosted the contest for the past 17 years at their farm market that’s located on BR-127 just south of St. Johns. Their involvement with the international organization of giant pumpkin growers dates back even further to when Andy first began growing the large-size pumpkins.
“Back then, the closest weigh-in site was in New York so Andy would load up and go there,” Sunday says.
Once their farm market that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary was firmly established, hosting the event was a natural fit and Andy T’s has seen lots and lots of giant pumpkins and other huge vegetables ever since.
There are 70 GPC sanctioned sites around the world, primarily in the United States and Canada. Last year’s giant pumpkin grown by Christy Harp of Ohio set a new world record – 1,725 pounds.
Andy T’s hasn’t weighed in a giant of that size, but you never know. Maybe 2010 is Michigan’s year. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the weigh off starting at 11. The winners will be announced by early afternoon.
Visitors can also enjoy the variety of family-friendly activities that are part of Andy T’s Fall Fun 2010. There are hayrides to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin; a six-acre corn maze; blow-up maze; petting farm and apple orchard; and gooey caramel vat for dipping and making your own caramel apples.
The farm market is also open, selling Andy T’s gourmet sweet corn and other homegrown vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, squash and apples. Lots of tasty treats including homemade pumpkin and apple pie and donuts await visitors at the bakery, and the garden area has a full array of fall plants and landscape supplies.
For more information on the GPC weigh off, call Andy T’s at (989) 224-7674 or visit www.andyts.com. The market is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.