Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off 2013

For the past few months, we have thought a lot about the pumpkin weigh off. I waited impatiently for it. It has always been a favorite event and to be a part of it's first event in a new location made it even more exciting for me.

It was the most perfect day, even more perfect than we could have hoped.

I arrived at the park, and the pumpkins, squash and long gourds began arriving.

Last minute trimming of the vine as the pumpkin was unloaded.

Thank you to all our sponsors who made this event possible.

Our carver got to work immediately. He had 2 pumpkins to carve.

Hoping some of our visitors decide to try giant pumpkin growing next year.

The bands and vendors were all amazing! 

Once all the pumpkins were in place, all were measure by measuring tape, it was time to start the weighing. They begin with those who measure (by measuring tape) smaller and move their way up to the ones that measured the biggest (measuring the biggest doesn't always mean weighing the heaviest--some weigh heavier than expected while others weigh lighter).

It was great to see such a big crowd cheering on all the giant pumpkins!

These two pumpkins came from seeds from one of the pumpkins at last year's weigh off. 

They check the bottom of every pumpkin to make sure they are solid.

This year was a challenging growing year. We had one of the rainiest Junes in history which made growing challenging. Everyone hoped for a pumpkin to break the 1,000 pound mark. Our final pumpkin did it!

Meet Rapunzel the 1,290.5 pound pumpkin (and her grower Nick).

Final results. Paul Piorek was an amazing emcee.

Craig Smith, the pumpkin carver, carved two pumpkins. The second pumpkin was about 150 pounds and he carved the names of all the children who came to the weigh off. 

I will be posting pictures of all the growers with their giant pumpkins, squash and long gourds.