Gourd Times Await at the Horton Market’s First ‘PumpkinFest’ This fall, the Horton Market is bringing something new to St. Thomas -- the first-ever PumpkinFest, happening Saturday, October 24th, from 8 am until noon. For Monique Clark, the new Horton Market Coordinator, the idea grew out of a simple need: to bring excitement back to the market in late October. “We always find there’s a little bit of a slump in October,” Monique explains, “Especially because people don’t know that we’re open that late. It’s a little chilly, it’s a little dark, but we’re still here. We thought if we did a PumpkinFest, it might draw some interest and also focus on the fact that in the fall, farms are still producing.” The event promises something for all ages. “We’re going to be doing pumpkin-themed games, like pumpkin toss, pumpkin bowling, and tic-tac-toe,” says Monique. “Vendors will also be joining in the theme, with pottery, food, and baked goods showcasing pumpkin-inspired creations.” Just like in a traditional fall fair, a PumpkinFest highlight will be the contests. Children will have arts and crafts categories, while adults can enter photography, artwork, or market-inspired pieces. “We have so many talented people in St. Thomas,” Monique enthuses, “And there’s really no fall fair to showcase that.” Pumpkin carving and painting contests are also planned, along with a baking competition featuring autumn favourites like apple pie and pumpkin desserts. Costumes are encouraged, adding to the festive atmosphere. “We’re going to try to get our vendors to dress up, and of course, kids can come in costume too; it just makes it more fun,” Monique shares.
Organizers are even reaching out to bring antique tractors to the market grounds, adding a nostalgic country-fair feel. And for contest prizes, winners can look forward to Horton Market Dollars, gift certificates that encourage supporting local vendors. “It reinforces bringing people back to the market,” Monique explains. For Monique, who describes herself as “a huge Halloween person,” the event feels like the perfect fit: “It just kind of made sense – we’re a farmers’ market; it’s close to Halloween, and people love fall festivities.” With games, contests, costumes, and plenty of pumpkins, PumpkinFest is set to become a new St. Thomas tradition. “It’s a lot, but I feel like we can pull it off,” Monique says, smiling. PumpkinFest runs Saturday, October 25th, from 8 am until noon at the Horton Market at 10 Manitoba Street.
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Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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