Columbus: Giant Pumpkin Festival Shatters Records

Columbus: Giant Pumpkin Festival Shatters RecordsColumbus: Giant Pumpkin Festival Shatters Records The annual Giant Pumpkin Festival in Columbus, Ohio, has made headlines this year by shattering its previous records. The festival, which has been held since 1987, draws competitors from across the country showcasing their colossal pumpkins. This year’s winner was Brian Wickham from Grantsville, West Virginia. His pumpkin, named “Yeti,” weighed in at an astonishing 2,350.5 pounds, breaking the festival’s previous record by over 100 pounds. Wickham’s pumpkin is the second-largest pumpkin ever grown in the United States, behind only a 2,528-pound pumpkin grown in 2021. The festival also saw record-breaking entries in other categories. The largest zucchini weighed in at 260.5 pounds, the largest watermelon weighed in at 304 pounds, and the largest butternut squash weighed in at 177 pounds. The Giant Pumpkin Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to admire the enormous fruits and vegetables. The festival also features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. According to festival organizers, the success of this year’s event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the competitors. The growers spend months carefully tending to their pumpkins, using specialized techniques to maximize their growth. “It’s an incredible accomplishment to grow a pumpkin of this size,” said festival director Karen Shook. “These growers are true masters of their craft.” The Giant Pumpkin Festival has become a Columbus tradition and a major draw for both locals and tourists. The festival showcases the agricultural prowess of the region and provides a fun and unique experience for all who attend. As the festival comes to a close, the giant pumpkins will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The largest pumpkin, “Yeti,” is expected to fetch a top dollar donation.