A record-setting pumpkin and several other large vegetables were showcased at the giant pumpkin and watermelon competition at the N.C. State Fair on Tuesday. The winning entries will be available for public viewing and photography at the Agri Supply Expo Center during the fair, which runs from October 16 to 26.
The event, sanctioned by The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and hosted by the N.C. State Fair, welcomed competitors from various states. “The giant pumpkin and watermelons are a must visit on your trip to the Fair,” said Kent Yelverton, fair director. “These giants will be photographed thousands of times during the fair’s 11-day run. We appreciate the growers that put the time and effort into growing these giants and showcasing them at our fair.”
Two pumpkins weighed in at more than 2,000 pounds each this year. Albert Rodebaugh of Craigsville, West Virginia, took first place with a 2,244.5-pound pumpkin, which set both a state record for West Virginia and a site record for the N.C. State Fair. Terry Nelson of Thomas, West Virginia, came in second with a 2,114.5-pound pumpkin. Steve Hall of Covington, Virginia, finished third with a 1,511.1-pound pumpkin and received the Howard Dill Award for best looking pumpkin.
In the North Carolina-only category, the Donald Murphy family from Pink Hill grew the winning pumpkin at 682.6 pounds. David Allen of Garysburg was second with a 577.4-pound entry and Mark Rollins of Clyde placed third at 307.7 pounds.
For watermelons, Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee, won first place with a watermelon weighing 288.6 pounds. North Carolina growers H.C. Williams of Bailey and Theron Ray of Bailey placed second and third with entries weighing 245 pounds and 230.9 pounds respectively.
The watermelon competition is sponsored by Agri Supply.
The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth is an international organization that promotes growing large vegetables globally. The top three winners for pumpkins receive prizes ranging between $1.50 and $3 per pound; watermelon winners earn between $3 and $6 per pound.
The N.C. State Fair will take place October 16-26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Additional information about events and attractions can be found at www.ncstatefair.org.
