Canton farm to host pumpkin weigh off Saturday, donate some sales to Cure Kids Cancer

A Canton pumpkin and Christmas tree farm opens this weekend for its fifth annual pumpkin festival.

But this year, in addition to pumpkin picking, train rides and petting zoos, the pumpkin festival at the Riverview Christmas Tree Farm will host the southeastern South Dakota pumpkin weigh off, as well as donate $1 of every medium or large pumpkin purchased to a local cancer research fundraiser.

The festival is open to hopeful pumpkin-pickers the first three weekends in October, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

"It's a great way to spend a perfect fall Saturday or Sunday," said owner Todd Gannon. "You're out here enjoying the outdoors, doing things with your family and enjoying the festivities."

There's something at the pumpkin festival for everyone this year, Gannon said.

Children can jump on train rides, inflatables and other common festival attractions. There will also be pumpkin painting and a pumpkin slingshot for children to play with.

For adults, the festival will host a beer garden, featuring pumpkin beers, Oktoberfest beers and domestic beers, along with TVs showing football games. Wine from Prairie Berry and Strawbale wineries will also be offered.

The southeastern South Dakota great pumpkin weigh off will be hosted at the farm from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. opening day Saturday. And Gannon expects to see pumpkins "in excess of 1,000 pounds."

Also new this year, $1 of each medium and large pumpkin purchased in the first three days of the season will be donated to the Cure Kids Cancer research fundraiser through Sanford Health.

After hearing a CKC radio-thon earlier this month, Gannon wanted to make his own contribution to the effort.

"We're always looking for ways to give back," Gannon said. "This is something small we can do to support a great cause."

This is the first year they'll participate in the fundraiser, and Gannon hopes to raise thousands for the research effort. Additionally, Gannon will have a second fundraiser for the last half of the season to raise money for a new pool in Canton.

This is the fourth year the Riverview Christmas Tree Farm will offer a free pumpkin to law enforcement officers who present their badge or ID at purchase.

Overall, Gannon is excited for the season to start.

"Most days it's just me busting my tail off at the tree farm," Gannon said. "Pumpkin season and Christmas tree season is when it all pays off to see the families and kids show their joy and excitement to share."

IF YOU GO:

Cost: Admission is free, but pumpkin costs depend on size

When: First three weekends in October (3-4, 10-11, and 24-25)

Where: Riverview Christmas Tree in Canton