Giant pumpkins will take over Ballard Park on Sunday, September 24th for Ridgefield’s 5th Annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off.
Here are some interesting facts you might not know about giant pumpkins.
- The current world record for a giant pumpkin is 2,624.6 pounds. This pumpkin was grown in 2016 by Mathias Willeminjns.
- The current world record for a giant squash is 1,844.5 pounds and was grown by Scott Holub.
- Giant pumpkins and squash are grown in one growing season just like jack-o-lantern pumpkins. The reason giant pumpkins grow so big so quickly is because of their special giant pumpkin genetics (and lots and lots of water and care from the grower).
- A giant pumpkin can gain anywhere from 20-50 pounds a day during the peak growing season.
- Because giant pumpkins grow so big, so fast, growers usually only grow one pumpkin on the plant (and remove any other pumpkins that start growing so the one pumpkin can grow really big).
- Pumpkins at the weigh off travel to Ridgefield from other states like Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and from other parts of Connecticut as well as some local pumpkins.
- In addition to giant pumpkins and squash, we also measure long gourds at the weigh off (which look like giant green baseball bats). They are measured in length and the winners are taller than our tallest visitor to the weigh off.
- Last year, Ridgefield’s own Steve Maydan brought his giant pumpkin to the scale which weighed in at over 1,000 pounds earning in a spot in the exclusive 1,000 pound pumpkin club.
In addition to seeing the giant pumpkins and squash, there is lots to do at the weigh off. There will be live music, food, vendors, farm stands, pumpkin carvers, children’s activities, and farm animals. Be sure to follow the giant pumpkin weigh off on facebook at here to find out more information and come by Ballard Park on Sunday, September 24th!
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