September 24
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., Saturday, Sept. 24.
Andy and Sunday Todosciuk have hosted the contest for the past 18 years at their farm market that’s located at 3131 S. BR-127 just south of St. Johns. Their involvement with the international organization of giant pumpkin growers is a natural fit for the farm market and Andy T’s has seen lots and lots of giant pumpkins and other huge vegetables over the years.
There are 70 GPC sanctioned sites around the world, primarily in the United States and Canada. Last year’s giant pumpkin grown by Chris Stevens of Wisconsin set a new world record of 1,810.5 pounds. Ken Sweet of Washington Township in Macomb County took second overall among all pumpkin growers with a giant that weighed in at 1,725 pounds.
Sweet was close behind last year’s winners at Andy T’s regional event, too. Joe Platte took first, 1,592 pounds; Chad Swarts was second, 1,542 pounds; and Sweet was third, 1536 pounds. Maybe 2011 is Michigan’s year to claim the Giant Pumpkin crown. Registration at Andy T’s begins at 8 a.m., with the weigh off starting at 11. The winners will be announced by early afternoon. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating during the weigh off.
In addition to giant pumpkins, growers of other “big” veggies and fruits will also compete for prizes in the categories of watermelon, squash, field pumpkins, tomato, long gourds, sunflowers, marrow and tall corn. Andy T’s has also added a New Growers Class this year for any squash or pumpkin weighing 750 pounds or under. Entrants must be first-time growers at the Great Lakes Commonwealth Weigh Off to qualify for prize money in this class.
Visitors can also enjoy the variety of family-friendly activities that are part of Andy T’s Fall Fun 2011. There are hayrides to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin; a six-acre corn maze; straw 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.
