Giant pumpkin weigh-off, regatta this weekend

GREENFORD — The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will hold its annual giant-pumpkin weigh-off Saturday at Parks Garden Center, 9010 state Route 62.

The current Ohio state record is 1,524.5 pounds, held by Bob Liggett of Circleville.

Prize money this year will exceed $12,500 for heaviest categories of pumpkin, squash, watermelon, tomato, muskmelon, field pumpkin and longest gourd. Heaviest pumpkin will be awarded $2,500 for first place.

Growers wishing to enter any of the six categories must bring their entry to Parks Garden Center by 9 a.m. Saturday. The weigh-off will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Exhibits will remain on display until 4 p.m. Admission is free for spectators.

On Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m., weather permitting, will be a Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Boats made from giant pumpkins will be raced across the water using either paddles or motors.