September 29
A whole lot of huge pumpkins will be on display Sept. 29 at Andy T’s Farm Market during the 2012 Great Lakes Commonwealth Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Giant pumpkin growers from around the Great Lakes region will vie for prizes – and big bragging rights – at the fun, free event that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Andy and Sunday Todosciuk have hosted GLC regional competition for the past 19 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 weighed tons and tons 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 Jim and Kelsey Bryson of Ontario, Canada, set a new world record of 1,818.5 pounds. Andy T’s 2011 GLC Regional Champion was Todd Swarts whose pumpkin weighed in at 1,298 pounds.
GLC 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 in categories like watermelon, squash, field pumpkins, tomato, long gourds, sunflowers, marrow and tall corn.
Giant Pumpkin guests will enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities that are part of Andy T’s Fall Fun 2012. There are hayrides to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin; a six-acre corn maze; 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. 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.
