In 2022 on the 10th anniversary of Ridgefield’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off, attendees were perplexed when a crew from HBO showed up in Ballard Park.
We spoke with the crew that day but they were hush-hush about who, what, or where except to say they "were covering the Weigh-off".
On Friday, August 11 all of the pieces fell into place during season 3, episode 3 of John Wilson’s comedy docuseries “How To With John Wilson” aired on HBO.
While a good portion of the 29-minute episode is NOT family friendly, Wilson saved the best for last (fast forward to 7 minutes 50 seconds left in the episode) when he stumbles upon a giant, competitive pumpkin grower from Wappingers Falls named Tony Scott.
Scott welcomes Wilson to his pumpkin-growing operation (it’s fascinating!) He also shares his wall of honor - many, many ribbons earned for his giant beauties. “But, no first place,” he says.
Wouldn’t you know it? The huge pumpkin Scott hopes is his personal best and worthy of the top prize is headed to Ridgefield! Yup. And, Wilson decides to follow Scott to Ballard Park for the 10th Annual Pumpkin Weigh-off!
Many attendees as well as emcee Dave Goldenberg, event founders Jess Collins and Steve Mayden are spotted in the segment. Wilson says, “Everyone brings their pumpkins to a big field and lines them up in a big row and the whole town comes out to look at them. They had some really cool merchandise and a rock n’ roll band to keep everyone relaxed”.
Wilson interviews a few kids who are volunteering at the Weigh-off. “What do you like about pumpkins?” he asks.
The segment includes the main-stage event - pumpkins dipping the scales as emcee Goldenberg shares a few words with each grower. Including first place hopeful, Tony Scott.
In the end, no, Scott didn’t get that first-place ribbon. But he did beat his personal best and came in second place with a 1,805-pound giant.
Before Wilson heads home he interviews one of the vendors, “Venture Photography” and asks “Do you ever go to cat shows?” “Do you ever travel with a baby carriage?”
Yes, it’s random, but so is John Wilson.
Learn about this year’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off planned for September 24 at Ballard Park here