While spring has barely sprung, thoughts have already turned to next year’s 39th Arrowtown Autumn Festival, with an early focus on one event, in particular.
New festival coordinator Vanessa Williams, who’s been on the committee for the past five years, says they held the inaugural pumpkin competition this year, but may have left it a little bit late to properly plant the seeds — literally.
From seedlings, it takes between three and six months for pumpkins — which are technically a fruit — to reach full maturity, meaning they need to get started any day.
That in mind, Harvest Envy’s Rosie Danks is running workshops at Arrowtown School this Tuesday to teach some classes how to grow pumpkins from seed, and give seeds out to the young charges to have a go at growing their own. More seeds will be dropped at the Arrowtown Lifestyle Village.
Local compost king Michael Sly’s going to create a community compost heap for the pumpkins, to help get them growing, too.
Williams says anyone in the Basin’s more than welcome to get involved in the friendly competition, which will be judged on April 25 — a webpage with instructions on how to start growing them from seed, and how to keep caring for them, will also be set up.
While they’re yet to confirm all the categories, those from this year — the heaviest, ugliest, prettiest and best creation — will definitely feature.
They’re also investigating introducing a pumpkin carving category, too.
She’s hoping pumpkins will be dropped off at the beginning of the festival and be left for the duration, to help with decorating Buckingham St, and after the event’s over, owners can either take them home, or donate them to Baskets of Blessing.
Meantime, Williams says a key focus for the organising committee is remaining true to the festival’s origins.
"The Lakes District Museum has an old documentary on the Autumn Fest, I think it was created in 2009 ... I think it just really highlighted how great of a community event it is, and how everyone from the community got involved and pitched in.
"We want to bring that back with a few events, and we thought this was a great way to start it, or grow it, really."
