Giant County Pumpkins for Prime Minister’s display

Picton’s Sue and John Vincent presented Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen with a couple of giant pumpkins for their display at 24 Sussex Drive. “Every year, Mrs. Harper and friends carve and display approximately 300 pumpkins on the lawn of 24 Sussex Drive,” says Sue Vincent, noting that John will not let them carve the largest giant pumpkin as he plans to take it to the Royal Winter Fair. “He took another one for them to carve.  This display she hosts is the only time the public is allowed onto the grounds of  24 Sussex Drive. I think she said the display lasts about two weeks and is open for a two hour period of time each night.  The Prime Minister’s first response when he came out the front door and saw the pumpkin: “What is this costing us?” The Vincents donated both pumpkins for their display. “We were quite honoured to be asked to bring them.” They were also invited inside for a cup of coffee with Laureen while waiting for the forklift to arrive. “It is a beautiful house, with a beautiful view,” Sue said. John (with Brian McGill) are the world record holders for giant squash – at 1236 pounds. He also had the largest County pumpkin at this weekend’s Pumpkinfest in Wellington at 1,046 pounds.