Family-style celebration of autumn harvest also supports Wellington foodbank

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison

There was a distinct hint of fall in the air on a warm, sunny September Saturday afternoon, where the sky was deep blue, the clouds were fluffy and light; foliage was just beginning to change colour, and the sun was beating down, twinkling off the lake, at least in Waupoos.

A good number of families came out to enjoy the third annual County Guys’ Fall Pumpkin Community event, where were invited to decorate a pumpkin of their choice, whether they selected one of the smaller gourds or a slightly bigger specimen – really, if they could haul it, they chose it, sometimes with a helping hand to carry it.

There were plentiful supplies provided too, from ribbon and glitter and beads, to felt pens to pipe cleaners, pieces of felt to googly, stick-on eyes, leaves and butterflies and things to embellish, where the element of creativity took over as kids of all ages performed artistic magic with the orange pumpkins, which they then got to take home.

Some made a pumpkin spider, as others followed the suggested ideas of a bat, a fox and an owl, but really, the sky and imagination were the limit- all for a donation to the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank.

Held at Creasy’s Apple Dabble Farm on County Road 8 in Waupoos, the community event geared to young families was enjoyed by many, along with free donuts, hot apple cider and lots of goodies and delicious eats from the farm shop.

There were plenty of apples and apple varieties, and gourds and squash and pumpkins despite a difficult and challenging growing season – starting with a wet spring, followed by a very hot summer and extremely dry conditions.

A fourth-generation family-owned farm, Creasy’s sells fresh fruit and vegetables from their roadside stand in Waupoos, which has a most charming spot and a commanding view of Lake Ontario.

The County Guys Real Estate Group started the fall event two years ago at the Creasy farm, deciding to make it a community event to be enjoyed by local families, while also supporting the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, and local business.

“We had a soft spot for the Wellington Foodbank knowing that there is so many people in our community that… times are tough,” shared Dale Chapman with the County Guys. “Pretty much since COVID, we started raising money for the Wellington Foodbank and pretty well every month, we do some sort of outreach for a local business.”

“We are always trying to promote local businesses and encouraging people who are considering Prince Edward County as a place to live, to get involved and shop locally, rather than the big box stores, and the online multi-nationals.”

Once pumpkin decorating was complete, there were a few lawn games to keep the kids entertained, bundles of straw decorated in an autumnal theme suited to photo ops, but it was the free tractor wagon rides through the orchards that were most popular, thrilling kids and grown-ups alike.

Chapman said they often partner with local businesses as a way to connect with community, and “to bring locals out to support local, and give people a reason to fall in love with the County. That’s really what it’s all about”.

“What we have found is that when people are moving to this community, they don’t know a whole lot about it. They know the general romantic overview that the County has these types of things, but it’s like, let’s actually introduce people to the small families that keep everything ticking, and this is their livelihoods. This is why we do this.”

While the day was about enjoying the early days of autumn, appreciative of the harvest, of enjoying a spectacular view, of kids just being kids and enjoying the great outdoors, of pumpkin decorating, of apple buying and fun wagon rides; it was also about giving back to community.

Aleks Ninkovic (County Guys), Cynthia Riordon (Storehouse Foodbank) and Dale Chapman (County Guys)

Funds raised through donations were destined for the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank. President Cynthia Riordon was on hand and was expected to receive a cheque later in the afternoon to add to the foodbank’s coffers once the sums had been tallied.