The giant gourds will be tipping the scales in Shelburne County in early October with two pumpkin weigh-ins and festivals leading up to Thanksgiving.
The annual Clark’s Harbour pumpkin/squash weigh-in is set for Oct. 6 starting at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind the town hall.
First, second and third place prizes will be given out in both adult and youth under 14 divisions for the heaviest pumpkins and squash. A prize is also up for grabs for the prettiest field pumpkin. Children are invited to bring their carved pumpkins for judging and a chance at winning a prize. Any special or unique garden gourds can also be entered for judging.
Sunflowers are also part of the fun, with first, second and third place prizes to be awarded for the tallest sunflowers and a special prize for tallest sunflower grown in Clark's Harbour. Refreshments will be served.
The Shelburne County Giant Pumpkin Festival will be held on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon in Shelburne at the Bill Norman Park on the historic Dock Street waterfront.
Pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bouncy house and a scavenger hunt are among the activities planned, in addition to the Great Pumpkin Weigh-in, which also includes a squash category this year. Prizes will be awarded for the top entries as well as best sportsmanship.