Giant Pumpkins Galore in Ballard Park!

Here come the giant pumpkins! Pumpkin growers from around the region will come together for a cash prize competition for the heaviest pumpkin, squash, longest gourd and our new category - Youth Grower! The 2^nd Annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off is coming to Ridgefield’s Ballard Park on Sunday, September 28 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Farm stands and special exhibits will be on hand and attendees can participate in children’s activities, enjoy musical entertainment, and learn about the process of growing these behemoth vegetables.  Last year’s award winning pumpkin carver will return to provide a professional pumpkin carving demonstration. The weigh off contest begins at Noon when the giant pumpkins will lifted by forklift to be weighed.  In 2013, the giant pumpkins weighed from 400 lbs. to over 1,200 lbs.!

“This family oriented Fall event, which is focused on harvest, agriculture, and farm education has something for everyone. We invite people of all ages to enjoy a day out in beautiful Ballard Park in downtown Ridgefield.  The enormous pumpkins are kind of magical, some of them nearly 1,500 pounds! Its great fun talking with the growers and hearing the stories about the process and pampering of these giant vegetables,” said Susan Ahlstrom, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, hosts of the event.

In addition to the giant pumpkins, attendees can greet some sheep from the Hickories Farm of Ridgefield in a petting zoo area, watch the pumpkin carving demonstration made possible by Ridgefield Overhead Doors, and participate in children’s activities provided by Kiwi Country Day Camp, the Enchanted Garden Studios, the Keeler Tavern Museum, as well as two local martial arts studios, Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios and Kempo Academy.  “Not to mention, what kid (big or small!) doesn’t enjoy seeing heavy machinery in action, loading and unloading pumpkins onto the scale, all courtesy of our Key sponsor Ridgefield Supply Company,” added Ms. Ahlstrom.  “Something else that always attracts kids of all ages are the bright and shiny new trucks and jeeps that our Harvest sponsor, Pamby Motors, will provide.”  Fresh local produce from several farm stands will be available for sale and the Connecticut Giant Pumpkin Growers Club will be distributing seeds harvested from their own crop for future growers to try their own hand at growing gourds.  Music from the local band, Fog, will be playing in the gazebo.

“Of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without support from the Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Department for the use of Ballard Park.  Our thanks also go out to Ridgefield Supply Company who has pledged their support of this event this year and going forward,” said Ms. Ahlstrom, “We’re also excited to announce a new supporter this year, Agriventures Agway, sponsor of our Youth Category and 4H Club of Ridgefield activities.”

*Photo courtesy Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off Facebook page.