At this year’s NC State Fair, some truly giant pumpkins and watermelons can be seen in the Agri Supply and Expo Center as part of a competition to grow the biggest gourds possible —two of the big pumpkins weighed in at more than 2,000 lbs each.
This unique competition is sanctioned by The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) and, even though it’s hosted by the NC State, it’s open to competitors from other states.
Growers from out of state are only eligible for the GPC competition, but NC growers are eligible to enter both contests. Chris Rodebaugh of Lewisburg, WV, placed first with a 2,206.1-pound pumpkin – setting a state record for the largest pumpkin grown in West Virginia. Terry and Lois Nelson of Thomas, WV, came in a close second with their 2,197.8-pound pumpkin. Albert Rodebaugh II of Craigsville, WV, placed third with a 1,858.5-pound pumpkin.
In a separate competition open to only North Carolina growers, the first-place pumpkin weighed 824.2 pounds and was grown by Ernie Coley of Jefferson, NC. Mark Rollins of Clyde also placed with his 515.4-pound pumpkin. Finally, Donald Murphy of Pink Hill brought the third-largest NC-grown pumpkin, weighing in at 332.1 pounds.
By now you’ve wondered just what they’re feeding the pumpkins in West Virginia, given the size differences on the leaderboard. Danny Vester, an NC grower and 2nd place winner in the in-state watermelon weigh-off, told the Carolina Journal that West Virginia just has better-growing conditions.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told the press last week that “pumpkins may be fewer and smaller than usual due to challenging growing conditions.”
In the GPC watermelon competition, the winning fruit weighed in at 258.6 lbs and was grown by Andrew Vial of Liberty, NC. Chris Rodebaugh, of Lewisburg, WV, who took first place in the pumpkin competition, also took second place with his watermelon weighing 242.6 lbs. Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tenn., took third place with his watermelon weighing 233.9 lbs. Agri Supply sponsored this year’s competition.
“We have some remarkable entries this year, despite the challenges farmers have faced in North Carolina and beyond,” April Blazich, horticulture superintendent, said in a press release. “At times, it’s been too hot, too dry or too wet. But farmers in North Carolina are resilient, and fairgoers won’t be disappointed with these entries.”
The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth is an international organization that promotes growing giant vegetables. The top three winners in pumpkins take home between $1.50 and $3 per pound, and the top three winners in watermelons are awarded between $3 and $6 per pound.