Annual Fundraisers
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Gwynne Pumpkin Festival
The annual Gwynne Pumpkin Festival is a community fundraiser sponsored by Gwynne Legacy Foundation in support of the Gwynne Valley Rural Academy, an Alberta Public Charter School.
The idea for the first Pumpkin Festival (2023) was conceived by a local farmer's wife, known for her gardening skills who found herself with a huge crop of various types of pumpkins. Knowing that the local Gwynne Valley Rural Education Association was making an application to Alberta Education for a charter school, she decided to test the waters to see what community support was there for the school and to help raise funds for the application process with a Pumpkin themed fundraiser. The support was overwhelmingly positive and nearly $30,000 was raised that first year.
The Pumpkin Festival has become an annual event in the community with live and silent auctions, fireworks, vendor market, petting zoo, pumpin weigh-in and sales, concession and games for all ages. The admission is free.
Want to help with the 2026 Pumpkin Festival?
We'd LOVE to have your support!
Make a donation to the Annual Pumpkin Festival e-transfer to gwynnelegacy@gmail.com
(note Pumpkin Festival in the comment field)
Be a 2026 Pumpkin Festival Sponsor.
Showcase your business and support this exciting community initiative!
Community Coming Together
Sponsored by GLF. Organized and run by the Gwynne Pumpkin Festival Committee, comprised of GVRA staff, board members of both GVREA and GLF and local area volunteers. This annual fall fundraiser support the initiatives of the Gwynne Valley Rural Academy.
 The New Bus!Proceeds from the 2025 Pumpkin Festival supported the school's acquisition of a new bus! |  Celebrating Rural LifestylesThe annual pumpkin festival highlights and celebrates rural living and learning with good, old-fashioned fun! |  Bringing People TogetherInspiring community connection and engagement is a huge piece of the annual pumpkin festival with people coming together from across central Alberta to celebrate and strengthen small community connections. |  Annual Gwynne Pumpkin Festival and the Gwynne Valley Rural AcademyThe pumpkin festival is held annually at the Gwynne Valley Rural Academy, drawing crowds from the surrounding communities for games, live and silent auction, good food and wholesome, community fun! |
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Making an Impact
The annual Pumpkin Festival is sponsored by GLF and organized and run by the Gwynne Pumpkin Festival Committee, comprising GVRA staff, board members of both GVREA and GLF and local area volunteers.
This event has been enthusiastically embraced by the community and surrounding area and provided substantial support to the school:
2023 - $29,000 raised
2024 -
2025 - proceeds allowed GLF to lease a brand new school bus for Gwynne Valley Rural Academy, providing reliable transportation for students!