The fifth annual Pilger Pumpkin Festival was a smashing success.
The festival, put on at the Pilger Community Hall on September 25, attracted over 400 people to the community of just 70 residents.
There were plenty of activities for people, young and old, to enjoy, said Roman Bieringer, event organizer.
People could enter in the three pumpkin contests: pumpkin pie making, pumpkin carving and decorating, and the heaviest pumpkin contest.
The winner of the senior category of the heaviest pumpkin contest was Felix Fischer, with a 448 lb. pumpkin.
"He's in there pretty much every year," said Bieringer.
The winner of the junior category was Makayla Hauser with a 142 lb. pumpkin.
There were other activities for festival attendees to enjoy, such as wagon rides, kids games and a pumpkin catapult.
"This year, they upgraded it a little bit," said Bieringer.
The catapult shot the pumpkins further than it did last year. They hope to upgrade it more next year.
"We (also) had some good entertainment," said Bieringer.
Local entertainment played on the stage inside the hall and in the tent outside, they had karaoke for the first time.
"That went over really well," said Bieringer.
The biggest hit at the festival was the food.
"There wasn't a crumb left... everything was cleaned out," said Bieringer.
The carnival ended with a display of fireworks.
"Everyone complimented us on the fireworks," said Bieringer.
Bieringer was very satisfied with the festival this year, especially attendance.
"We had over 400 people," said Bieringer. "With combining and stuff, it's a busy time of year."
He said for the number of other activities happening that day, and harvest going on, having that many people show up was impressive.
Not only were there people from the surrounding communities, people travelled from all over the province to partake in the festival.
"We had someone from Regina and there were some from Bjorkdale," said Bieringer.
"Thanks to all the people who come and support us."
This year, they also had the grand opening of the Pilger Pumpkin Patch, a park on the south side of the village where they can grow pumpkins for the festival.
The park was the combined initiative of the Government of Canada and the Pilger New Horizons Club.
Bieringer is already looking forward to next year's festival.
"(I'm) waiting for next year again," he laughed. "It should be happening again."
