By MARY TURNER
This past Sunday, November 1, was the 63rd annual Knights Ferry Pumpkin Roll. The weather was a perfect mix of sunshine and crisp air, with a breeze that moved the leaves around just enough to feel like the perfect autumn day. Vendors filled the tennis court and the Community Club, including a pick-your-flavor cotton candy vendor that was a big hit with the kiddies! The Odd Fellows were selling delicious hot dog meals, complete with chips and a drink, as well as nachos. Traditional pumpkin rolls at the Pumpkin Roll were made and sold by the Knights Ferry Garden Club members. The Rebekah’s were selling their famous cheesecakes, complete with free samples. You could buy a slice or a whole cheesecake. I bought a whole one and can’t wait to share it on Thanksgiving as they freeze very well. Their cheesecakes are hands down the most delicious I’ve ever had; I highly recommend them for your holiday gatherings.
Sign-ups started at 10:45am, with the town already buzzing. The rolls were MC’d this year by Will Haskell, who did a wonderful job keeping things moving with his playful banter. The littles started rolling promptly at noon to the cheers of the watching families. Next, we saw the seniors roll, followed by the kids, teens, women, and finally the men, who kept up the decades-long Pumpkin Roll tradition of a side bet. The winner gets the pot but has to buy everyone a drink at Rick’s.
This year, the pumpkins seemed a bit bigger than in years past, which threw some of the locals off. Three-time Pumpkin Roll champion Bethany Basmajian unfortunately didn’t take home a fourth trophy this year, as she had to adjust to a larger pumpkin. The number of pumpkins that ended up as “salmon food” seemed excessive, but there were a couple of “on the line” winners.
We had a few local winners, with Lennox Martinelli winning the 0-5 division, Rita Taylor taking the trophy for teen girls, and Liam Voortman taking teen boys. Kelsey, who bartends at Rick’s, won the ladies’ division, and the cheering could be heard all over town. I’d like to personally thank Cheryl Ozbirn for her amazing photos and for keeping me up to date on our local winners while I was busy in my shop. I truly appreciate your help!
It was an honor to have Mr. Harvey Hickey in attendance. Harvey, who is 94 years young and a two-time Pumpkin Roll champion, was at the very first Pumpkin Roll in 1964.
The roll wrapped up right around 5pm, and the crowd headed down to Rick’s to finish off the day. Word on the street is that when the bar closed, some of the locals utilized the radar speed sign to hold a “who can throw the fastest pumpkin” contest, but I can neither confirm nor deny this. This Pumpkin Roll was one for the books, and for those of you who didn’t win, you have 364 days to practice for your next turn. See you next year!
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Ongoing Events:
Odd Fellows Breakfast - 1st Sunday of the month @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Free Market - 2nd Tuesday, 3:30pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Community Clinic Day - Tuesdays, 9am-4pm @ The Russell’s home - (209) 603-5371
Taco Tuesday - 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon - Live music & Tacos!
Thankful Thursday - Every other Thursday. Free meal with drink purchase 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Knights Ferry Community Church Services - Sundays 9:30am-10:30am
Upcoming Events:
Community Club Meeting & Potluck - November 5, 6:30pm @ The Community Club
Miller’s Hall Meeting - November 10, 9am @ The Miller’s Hall
Oakdale Fire Protection District Meeting - November 12, 10am
School Board Meeting - November 12, 5:30pm @ Knights Ferry School
Water Board Meeting - November 19, 7pm @ Miller’s Hall
Odd Fellows Potluck Social - November 25, 6pm @ Odd Fellows Lodge
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Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news, upcoming events, historical facts about the area, jokes or recipes to share? Contact Mary Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com
