A new event for Meadow Lake is expected to tip the scales when it comes to fun and success. The first-ever Harvest Home Market is scheduled for this Saturday (Sept. 26) from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the big tent in the Meadow Lake Home Hardware Building Centre parking lot. In addition to a multitude of vendors, the event will include a number of other attractions guaranteed to make the market both memorable and unique. 

“One of the main attractions is the pumpkin-growing contest,” explained organizer Glenn McCrimmon. “The contestants registered last spring, so it’s only open to those who registered already. They’ve been growing two varieties of pumpkins throughout the summer. As far as the market itself goes, we’ve got a number of vendors, most of whom you don’t see at the regular Friday farmers’ market. We will also have a photographer on hand taking fall photos.” McCrimmon went on to say, in spite of a poor growing season, the pumpkin-growing contest is sure to steal the show. “This year has been very poor for growing pumpkins because of all the weird weather we’ve had, but I believe there are a few decent-sized pumpkins coming in,” he said. “Nobody is really revealing their hand at the moment, but I have heard there could be some around 100 pounds. Some people, however, have already bowed out because they said they have no pumpkins.” McCrimmon hopes the upcoming contest is still successful enough to encourage more people to take part in years to come, and in better growing years. “We’ll see how this year goes and what kind of interest we have,” he said. “Maybe we will even expand the contest next year to other vegetables as well. The pumpkins will be on display at noon and the judging will take place around 1:30 p.m.” And, although McCrimmon said there will be new vendors at the market on Saturday, he wouldn’t share any hints as to what patrons can expect to discover, “It’s going to be a surprise – you will need to come out to find out,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the market will also be held in conjunction with a car show in the Home Hardware parking lot organized by the Meadow Lake Cruisers. “I’m looking forward to a day without rain, and I believe we’re going to have a good time,” McCrimmon said. “We’re going to see vendors we don’t normally see plus a contest to pull people in… We will have a good day for sure.”