The Town of Petrolia has announced the winners of the town's first-ever pumpkin carving contest.
Community members carved the pumpkins as part of Petrolia Harvest Days which replaced the annual Harvestfest meal held annually in September.
A committee judged over 40 pumpkins in a variety of categories. Battery operated candles were placed in each one, and residents had the chance to view and take pictures with the displays over the weekend.
Jeff Butler won best overall in the age 16-plus category, while Gwen Towriss captured best overall in the under-16 division.
Allyson Kwarciak's pumpkin was named most original, Frankie Borthwick won most colourful, Summer Steinke had the cutest pumpkin, Edwin and Troy Hyde had the scariest, and Megan Taylor's was named the funniest.
Director of Community Services and Facilities Dave Menzies said the event was a big success.
"This idea came out of a conversation about what we could do to include people of all ages in the Petrolia Harvest Days events while considering physical distancing," said Menzies. "It turned out really well for our first year, with many families citing that this was a great, low-cost activity for their children to enjoy. This very likely will be the 'first annual' carved pumpkin contest in Petrolia.”
The youth winners will enjoy a pumpkin carving kit, a “Haunted Cookie House” building kit, colouring books, crayons, and stickers.
The 16+ winners will receive a $25 gift certificate for a Petrolia business of their choice.
Winners can pick up their prizes at Town Hall Monday and Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
