A POPULAR pumpkin competition is still on the calendar, as organisers reach out to the wider community and gauge interest in virtual entries, to win cash prizes.
Cadell and Community Tourist Association (CCTA) chair Jason Lukacs said the committee decided it was important to continue the Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition this Easter, based along the same virtual guidelines as the 2020 event.
“Last year, all the COVID-19 shutdowns happened right in the lead-up to the pumpkin competition, which made for a lot of very last-minute changes,” he said.
“This year, to keep things simple, we’re doing the same thing and holding a virtual competition – that way, pumpkin growers from interstate can enter as well, and we’re hoping to get some more interest from upriver growers too.
“MGA Insurance Group has again sponsored the event and are helping to extend the competition interstate via their contacts. MGA are putting up the prize money and hope to give away the major prize of the trip overseas again someday.”
Mr Lukacs said the winners may not be the biggest or heaviest, but may be the most creative picture.
“By running the competition virtually, interstate pumpkin growers can still enter while following all COVID-19 and fruit fly restrictions,” he said.
“The CCTA will continue to include a virtual aspect to the competition into the future.
“We’re encouraging people to get creative with their entries – maybe dress the pumpkin up a bit or have it in a funny position, but absolutely no digital altering will be allowed.
“Last year, we held a live video presentation to announce the winners and sent the prizes out via mail, which was quite successful.
“With no access to winners’ seeds last year, it was very difficult to supply free seed this year, but we hope to access some for next year’s competition.
“We’re out for any expressions of interest from people across the Riverland and beyond.”
Entry is free, and the photo must contain the entrant’s name and something clearly identifying the day it was taken, such as the front page of a newspaper.
For more information, visit the Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition Facebook page, or call Jason Lukacs on 0407 515 245.