Charlottetown’s Eddy Shaw broke a record at the Prince Edward Island Giant Pumpkin and Squash Weigh off which took place on Saturday October 9th. Shaw’s pumpkin weighed in at 765 kilograms or 1,686 pounds.
The following are the top three winners and weights of the biggest giant pumpkins:
- Eddie Shaw – 1,686 lbs.
- Allen Aten 946.5 lbs.
- David Crocker - 880.5 lbs.
This was the second year in the row that the weigh-off event was closed to the public, due to pandemic restrictions, however, the absence of crowds did not discourage participants.
Karen Steward of Cape Traverse, P.E.I participated for the first time and grew a 434-pound pumpkin, the seventh heaviest in the giant pumpkin category. She was inspired to participate in the weigh-off this year after growing a 100-pound pumpkin in her garden last year.
On the other hand, Victoria Mellish is a seasoned veteran, participating for the past seven years. Mellish and her family participate annually to have a friendly competition among themselves. The 14-year-old enjoys the thrill and uncertainty of how big a giant pumpkin will grow.
Although Mellish’s 482-pound pumpkin did not come close to winning the largest pumpkin, it was rewarded for its looks.
President of P.E.I Giant Pumpkin Association, Gordon Aten, was pleased with the outcome of the event and believes the competitiveness of the event will attract new growers to participate and keep veteran participants coming annually.
When asked, Aten shares what the secret is to growing pumpkins so large. “Well that’s genetics and breeding over the years, trying to improve it,” says Aten. “Take the seeds from the biggest one and cross it with another big one, you get something.”
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