One Saturday in Waterbury: Pumpkin chuckin’, puppy cuddles and turkeys galore
November 27, 2024 | Photos by Gordon MillerOne recent Saturday morning was particularly busy in Waterbury as people gathered for some semi-serious pumpkin-chuckin' competition at Dac Rowe Park, some very serious cuddles with a litter of husky sled dog puppies at the Waterbury Public Library, and a festive, bustling turkey and holiday food drive drop-off along South Main Street at the Waterbury Common Market.
Photographer Gordon Miller managed to catch all of it.
Pumpkin Chuckin’
On the morning of Saturday, Nov. 16, Waterbury Recreation held its second annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest to support the Waterbury Common Market (and have some silly fun).
They had about 20 teams show up to take part along with some enthusiastic fans. The winners were the Huskies in the small category and the River Road Rippers in the big category.
Not only did all of the athletes demonstrate their pumpkin-tossing prowess, they also donated 73 pounds of food to the market.
Click the images below to enlarge.
Sled dogs visit Waterbury Public Library
In a repeat visit to Waterbury Public Library, Siber Sled Dogs of Cambridge spent time in Waterbury on the same morning. This time they brought along a litter of their Siberian husky puppies. People signed up in advance to get a chance to meet and greet and snuggle the four-legged ambassadors of Vermont dog mushing.
Waterbury Rotary’s Annual Turkey Drive
Further down on South Main Street, the Waterbury Rotary Club held its annual turkey drive to support the Waterbury Common Market (formerly the Waterbury Food Shelf). Rotary volunteers waving signs and accompanied by a giant inflated turkey lined the sidewalk in front of the market to unload turkeys and other food donations as people pulled up to the curb.
Market Manager Sara Whitehair said when the tally was done afterward, they had collected 96 turkeys and 40 pounds of food, along with $595 in cash donations. Many of the donated items will stock the market through the December holidays, she noted.
The Waterbury Common Market is open Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays 3-5 p.m. and serves households in and around Waterbury with grocery items at no charge.