With Jubilee Sailing Trust’s Pumpkin Festival at Royal Victoria Country Park this weekend, the Daily Echo takes a look at the event almost two decades ago.
More than 40 categories attracted pumpkin growers and enthusiasts from across Hampshire on October 16, 1999, where some of the heaviest, largest and best specimens were on display.
They ranged from bite-sized beauties to plump 200-pounders – with pumpkin-related arts and crafts on offer too.
The Woolston and Sholing branch of the Women’s Institute produced a veritable vegetable cornucopia of incredible pumpkin dishes – 50 in total.
Other attractions included children’s storytelling, a slide show, raffles and a barbecue.
Organiser and secretary of the trust’s Southampton branch, Sonja Davison, said at the time: “The aim of the festival is to raise the profile of the humble and historic pumpkin and to show how beautiful and versatile a vegetable it can be.”
ON THIS DAY…
A pint of lager cost £1.06.
Shania Twain’s album Come on Over was the best seller.
Christina Aguilera was at number one with Genie in a Bottle.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling was the New York Times best selling book.
People may have been watching Spaced on TV.
Gamers may have been playing Silent Hill.
Top of the box office was American Pie.
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