Oregon grower earns $30K for heaviest pumpkin

KRON 4’s Jackie Sissel spent the morning at the weigh-off for the World Heavyweight Championship of Gargantuan Gourds.

Last year, grower John Hawkley set a North American record with a 2,058-pound pumpkin.

Growers gathered Monday with their massive pumpkins to try to break the world record of 2,323 pounds, set by a Swiss grower during a competition in Germany past year. “I lost more mature pumpkins this year than I’ve ever experienced in 20 years”.

But his pumpkin fell short of a couple records. Jack Larue, who lives in the state of Washington, came in third with a 1,685-pounder.

Second place went to Ron and Karen Root of Citrus Heights, California, for their 1,806-pound entry. He hoped his pumpkin would top out at 1,500 pounds, while in past years, he could have grown his gourd about 300 pounds heavier. Sherwood’s pumpkin placed eighth at 1,309 pounds.

Miller and other growers say a hotter than normal summer caused the fruit to mature about a month early, leaving them susceptible to rot.

The contest kicks off the Art & Pumpkin Festival, which takes place this weekend. For his monstrous gourd, Daletas took the $30,000 top prize.

Despite the disappointing summer, Miller said his enthusiasm for giant pumpkins hasn’t dimmed.