1st Annual Western Foothills Pumpkin Derby, co-hosted by Millarville and Sheep River libraries, takes place at the Sheep River Library parking lot on Saturday, October 25. Racing starts at 11:00 am. We invite you to put wheels on a pumpkin and see how far it will go. There will be prizes for fastest, best decorated and more! We look forward to seeing incredibly cool pumpkins and watching breathtaking feats of pumpkin athleticism. This contest is open to all ages. The only requirement is that the person releasing the pumpkin from the ramp must be able to control the pumpkin until they are told to release it. Halloween is only a few days away, so we encourage participants and observers to come in costume.
Contestants who register between Tuesday, October 14 – Thursday, October 23 will be guaranteed a spot. For each entry, you will need to identify the Chief Pumpkin Wrangler’s name. Pumpkin racer pit crew members (eg: parents) may supervise more than one entry. To register, call either library, or pick up printed copies of the form at either library or fill out and print one from the Sheep River Library website. Bring your entry form to the event.
The pumpkin reception table will open at 10:00 am on October 25. Have your entry form filled out when you arrive. The pumpkin reception table closes at 10:45 am. All participants must be in line at the table with their pumpkin by this time. Winners for several categories, including “best decorated” will be announced after the races have concluded. We are anticipating that this will be a fun filled and positive event, but we do have a few no-nos:
- The body of your pumpkin racer must be constructed from a single real pumpkin. No watermelons, cantaloupes, cleverly painted beachballs, or other gourds disguised as pumpkins are permitted. (However, people named “Gord” are permitted to enter.)
- Pumpkin racers cannot be wider than 51cm (20”) including decorations.
- Wheels must be attached with two (2) independent axles through your pumpkin that cannot be hooked together in any way.
- Your pumpkin cannot ride to victory and glory on a pre-fabricated cart or chassis. It must be one with its wheels to win! No pumpkins on skateboards, toy cars, wagons, helicopter drones, or similar devious methods may be used.
- Pumpkins must be gravity powered only. No motors, batteries, fans, rockets engines, pyrotechnics, explosives, catapults, or other propulsion methods.
For more information and suggestions about websites that may help with design and construction go to our website.
There may be free Out Loud tickets still available for all four events taking place in October. In celebration of Canadian Library month we are thrilled to have CBC science guy Jay Ingram (October 4); sci-fi guru Jason Donev (October 15); blues singer Amy Bishop (October 18) and nature photojournalist Michael Drew (October 25). Details about each of our presenters are available at www.sheepriverlibrary.ca
Library will be closed on Monday October 13 for the Thanksgiving long weekend.
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