Pumpkin contests, a trade fair and one of the last farmers markets of the season are just some of the activities taking place during Coupeville’s annual HarvestFest this weekend.
While the Great Pumpkin may not be on the island, giant pumpkins are. Pumpkin growers head to Coupeville High School gymnasium Saturday during HarvestFest to see who has the biggest gourd.
“We have a scale that goes to 1,000 pounds so we’ll be able to take all comers,” said organizer Lee Roof.
Folks can bring pumpkins of all sizes to the parking lot next to the Coupeville High School gymnasium for weighing. Judging begins at 12:30 p.m. in such categories as largest pumpkin, ugliest and prettiest giant pumpkin.
Roof’s 472-pound pumpkin squashed the competition last year. It eventually became a Halloween decoration.
“I carved it up as the biggest jack o’lantern on the road,” Roof said.
The seeds of the prized pumpkin were divvied up between 15 to 20 people and Roof hopes to see some of the champion gourd’s offspring at the weigh in.
In addition to the giant pumpkin contest, area bakers are going to see who makes the best pumpkin pie.
This contest takes place in the Coupeville High School gymnasium at the same time as the Giant Pumpkin contest. Local restaurateurs will judge the pies before everybody enjoys the contestants’ efforts.
HarvestFest marks the end of the Coupeville Farmer’s Market for the year.
Market Manager Peg Tennant said that the market will be open for extended hours on Saturday and that a variety of end-of-season items such as squash, potatoes, garlic and possibly corn will be on hand for shoppers to buy.
She hopes the weather cooperates enough to permit live music during the five-hour market.
A variety of children’s activities during the market will be run by Coupeville High School National Honor Society.
Children can frolic through a pile of hay to search for pennies and candy. They can also take zucchinis, paint and attach wheels to them and race them down a ramp.
Zucchini isn’t the only thing that’s being raced Saturday. RoseHip Farm is holding garlic races during its apple-pie contest.
“Its races and silly stuff as we put garlic through,” said co-owner, Valerie Ruether. She wouldn’t elaborate more on how the garlic will fit into the races. She said people will have to show up to find out.
Judging for the pie contest begins at about 2 p.m. and Ruether said that contestants should have their pies at Rosehip by 1:45 p.m. She also recommends people should call in advance.
While bakers compete for the best pie, festivalgoers also have the chance to see what businesses are offered on the island during the Uniquely Whidbey Trade Fair and Home Show.
The 12th annual fair features more than 120 vendors based on Whidbey Island, said Sharon Hart, executive director of the Island County Economic Development Council.
“It’s a good way for people to see what’s available,” Hart said. “It’s a way to help keep tax dollars on the island.”
Approximately 5,000 people came to the fair last year and this year people can see demonstrations in alternative energy sources from the folks at Whidbey Sun and Wind.
A variety of food vendors such as the Casual Gourmet and Penn Cove Shellfish will also be selling their edibles during the fair.
It takes place both Saturday and Sunday and will be spread between the Coupeville Performing Arts Center and the middle school and high school gymnasiums.
People looking for traditional Halloween surprises simply need to walk down Main Street to see the various entries in the town’s “Scarecrow Corridor.”
Entrants from all over the island will be on full display up and down Main Street between the historic district and the high school.
Scarecrows must be up before 8 a.m. on Oct. 11 and have to stay up, and in good condition, until Oct. 28 to be eligible for cash prizes.
“It really is a Whidbey Island scarecrow contest,” said Rita Kuller, executive director of the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce. She said that people from all over the island are entering this year’s event.
Festival folks will also have the chance to see wonderful things with squash when Pioneer Farm, at the corner of Terry Road and Ebey Road, presents Squash 101 with Dale Sherman demonstrating proper squash-cutting techniques.
A trebuchet, which is similar to a catapault, will be available at Pioneer Farm to hurl the squash.
Kuller said the festival officials are still debating whether to name it “Toss the Squash” or “Hurl the Hubbard.”
Those who find the gourd throwing too gory can participate in the farm’s third annual squash painting competition.
Squash is being sold at the farm and local 4-H clubs will be selling pumpkins at various locations both days.
Harvest Fest schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 11:
Coupeville Farmers Market: 9 a.m., to 3 p.m., corner of 8th Street and Main Street.
Pumpkin Pie Contest: 12:30 p.m., Coupeville High School Gymnasium.
Giant Pumpkin Contest: 12:30 p.m., on the grounds of the high school gymnasium.
RoseHip Farm apple pie contest and garlic races: 2 p.m., 338 Fort Casey Road. Reservations recommended. 678-3577.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Squash 101, Trebuchet and Squash Painting: Pioneer Farm, corner of Terry and Ebey Road.
Oct. 12 and 13
Uniquely Whidbey Trade Fair and Home Show: Oct. 11 and Oct. 12, 10 a.m., to 4 p.m., Coupeville Performing Arts Center, high school gymnasium and middle school gymnasium.
Through October
Coupeville Scarecrow Corridor: Saturday, Oct. 11 through Oct. 28.
