Every year, we strive to grow a perfect pumpkin in the garden to celebrate the warm autumn days and the Halloween holiday.  This year, we are extremely proud of our efforts.

Meanwhile, on Fort Myers Beach, the 1st Annual Fort Myers Beach Art and Pumpkin Festival is taking place at Bay Walk Place on San Carlos Blvd between 3rd Street and the Harbor on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 24-Oct. 25, 2009. Festival hours are: Sat., Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sun., Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bay Walk Group, which includes the Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill, Smokin' Oyster Brewery, Snug Harbor Restaurant, Matanzas Inn and Restaurant, and Shipwreck Treasures expects 6,000 Festival goers to enjoy a memorable experience with a special display of sand artists in the Shipwreck Pirate Photo Area, a contest for "Picasso's of pumpkin carvers" sculpting and shaping pumpkins, a stage in Pumpkin Village (Snug Harbor area) with contests and live entertainment for the whole family, harvest-inspired Art & Crafts, the tastiest pumpkin foods/drinks on the planet, entertainment at each of the Bay Walk Group establishments, and the never-ending search for the Great Pumpkin waiting to be chosen from the rustic pumpkin patch.  Unfortunately, my pupmpkin is not quite ready for picking, needs another couple of days.  Photos below: