Giant-pumpkin growers to host annual weigh-off

Staff report

Canfield

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host their 19th annual giant pumpkin weigh-off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at Park’s Garden Center, 9010 state Route 62.

Records could be broken at this year’s weigh-off. The Ohio record of 1,725 pounds is held by Christy Harp of Massillon, and the Pennsylvania record of 1,807.5 pounds is held by Dave and Carol Stelts of Edinburg, Pa.

Prize money this year will exceed $25,000 for the heaviest categories of giant pumpkin, watermelon, tomato and Halloween pumpkin. Also included are widest sunflower head and longest gourd. First place for heaviest giant pumpkin will be awarded $5,000.

The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers has 275 members and is a weigh-off for the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth. The commonwealth conducts more than 100 weigh-offs in many countries to determine the world champion.

The hobby of growing giant pumpkins has con- tinued for 150 years. The world record is held by Ron Wallace of Greene, R.I., with the world’s first one-ton pumpkin weighing in at 2,009 pounds.

Any growers wishing to enter any categories must have their entry at Parks Garden Center by 9 a.m. Oct. 12. The weigh-off will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibits will remain on display until 4 p.m.

There is no admission charge, and a lunch stand will be available. Take lawn chairs.

Several of the largest pumpkins will be on display through Halloween.