Over half a ton: Mammoth pumpkin breaks records in NC
Autumn is in full bloom in North Carolina. The trees are starting to turn orange. The air is crisp and cool. And the largest pumpkins in the nation are getting weighed at the 2020 Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival.
While the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the cancelation of the much larger festival activities, the smaller-scale effort still brought giant pumpkins to town.
Pumpkins in excess of 1,000 pounds and watermelons over 250 pounds were expected at the new event.
This year's winning pumpkin was big enough to be a lounge chair. Belonging to Kerry Gross of West Virginia, the massive pumpkin broke the West Virginia state record at 1,661.5 lbs.
The mammoth pumpkin was even larger that last year's winner, belonging to Spring Hope native Danny Vester and weighing in at 1,506.5 lbs.
In August, a massive pumpkin nicknamed "The Behemoth" gained viral attention in Cary. Weighing in at 700 pounds and larger than a grown man, it was tiny compared to the winning pumpkins in Spring Hope – but still impressive for being home-grown in a neighborhood yard. Tragically, The Behemoth grew a soft spot, which shortened its giant life.
The winning pumpkins won $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively. The largest watermelon competition offered similar prizes.
In full fall spirit, there were also awards for the longest gourd, largest tomato and largest field pumpkin.
Spectators were able to attend, following safety limitations.
