By Cassandra Swanson
Charlie Brown’s friend, Linus, would have had his dreams come true if he would have joined us Saturday, October 3 at the Harrisburg, SD Country Apple Orchard!
The GREAT PUMPKIN and many of his friends showed up to be weighed in at the Southeast SD Great Pumpkin Growers Official Weigh-In. With a certified scale sponsored by Sioux Falls Scale Center – and over $3,000 in cash prizes to vie for – the winning monster topped out at 1,419 pounds and was grown by renowned pumpkin growing master, Kevin Marsh of Parker, SD. Young Joe Werner and his entire family of Richville, MN hauled down a 1,290 pound beauty, and local grower, George Witter of Sioux Falls took 3rd with a 1,080 pound monster.
Eleven giants plus two extras for exhibition were scaled by adults, and two by youths: The Althoff’s of Aberdeen have ‘caught’ the pumpkin bug from their Uncle Ryan Althoff of Aberdeen – with 10-year-old Bradin Althoff taking first place in youth pumpkins with his 180 pound giant. Dad Scot Althoff only managed 5th place with 867 pounds, but that beat his uncle Ryan whose pumpkin came in 6th at 745 pounds!
Giant Pumpkin weighing was followed by Field Pumpkins, then Monster Watermelons, Squash and Gourds. All are welcome to bring their personal best ‘giant’ produce to the certified weigh-ins – there is even a category for tomatoes! Join us next year at this exciting event located with in the Harrisburg Country Apple Orchards FUN Harvest Festival. It’s a great day for the entire family and entertaining whether you bring a giant vegetable or just come to watch. If YOU want to try your hand at growing a GIANT of your own, contact George at 605-351-0480 or Cass at 605-743-5270 for more information or seeds. You can also learn more at BigPumpkins.com: A Giant Pumpkin Growing Community
