The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20141018144126/http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/10/12/smashing-success-crowd-watches-as-pumpkin-dropped-on-old-car--all-for-a-gourd-cause
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Smashing Success! Crowd watches as pumpkin dropped on old car … all for a gourd cause

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By , Calgary Sun

First posted: | Updated:

Thousands enjoyed a smashing good time Saturday while celebrating the season and supporting a good cause.

The 11th annual Pumpkin Fest, hosted by Blue Grass Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre just north of Calgary, included face painting, pumpkin carving, a petting zoo, a straw maze, hay rides and plenty of activities before culminating in the popular pumpkin drop.

This year’s giant Alberta-grown gourd weighed in at nearly 550 kg, said Blue Grass’ marketing manager Lisa Silva.

The pumpkin was hoisted into the air by a crane and released over top of an old Dodge Neon, donated by a Blue Grass staffer, said Silva.

“It’s an exciting way to end the day’s events,” she said.

“Most people have never seen anything like it.

“It’s purely for fun and joy and excitement.”

About 5,000 people were expected to take in Pumpkin Fest, which raises money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation through donations, sponsorship and a portion of food vendor sales.

Over the last seven years, the event has raised more than $150,000 to support the foundation, including $31,000 at the 2013 edition.

“We’re hoping to top that,” said Silva of Saturday’s event, adding the goal was $35,000.

“A lot of us have young families or know a family that has ended up in the hospital — we feel it’s a well-worthy cause.”

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