Tag: giant pumpkin weigh-off

The Lovitt family has a unique hobby – growing giant pumpkins

Many people have a hobby they really enjoy. For some, hobbies might be things like sewing, reading or playing sports, but for the Lovitt family it is giant pumpkin growing. For the last 12 years, the family has grown giant pumpkins for the North Carolina State Fair competitions.  The whole family is involved in the year-round commitment to growing the best pumpkin possible and getting it to weigh-offs in October. Brother and sister, TJ and Marina, enter pumpkins every year.  While the growing is now a whole-family activity, the idea originated from dad Gary. After seeing a giant pumpkin seed…

Continue Reading

Giants among us: What it takes to grow giant fruits

The N.C. State Fair showcases a variety of fruits and vegetables from across the state each year. The stars of the show; however, are the giant pumpkins and watermelons.  Brandon Huber, a North Carolina State University doctoral student, has always been fascinated by plants, especially those that can grow really large. The Philadelphia native has grown competition-quality giant pumpkins for ten years now, adding watermelons to his agenda once moving to North Carolina. Over the years, Huber has managed to produce several impressive giants. Huber’s largest pumpkin weighed in at 667 pounds, while his largest watermelon was 170 pounds. Huber’s…

Continue Reading

Giant pumpkin and watermelon set new State Fair records

A 1,551.5-pound pumpkin grown by Chris Rodebaugh of Lewisburg, W. Va. and a watermelon weighing 327.5 pounds grown by Christopher Kent of Sevierville, Tenn. took the top prizes in the N.C. State Fair’s Great Pumpkin and Watermelon Weigh-Off. Both entries shattered previous N. C State Fair records. Rodebaugh is a first-time grower, and gathered the information needed to grow his super-sized pumpkin from the internet. “I saw some entries into my local State Fair in West Virginia and thought, ‘that’s pretty neat.’ I thought I’d try to grow one myself,” he said. When asked if he’d return in 2019, he…

Continue Reading

What’s new at the 2018 N.C. State Fair competitions?

If you’re looking to show off your hidden talents, at this year’s fair you can try your hand at anything from wreath design to rubber-chicken flinging. With expanded contests and diverse categories, everyone can enter for a chance at a blue ribbon. “We’re anticipating a really good turnout,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits director. “Tons of competitors have entered since general entries went live July 1, and we’re expecting a lot more.” General competition favorites are returning this year and some are expanding, including an even bigger Flower and Garden Show with more flower and wreath arrangement categories. The Decorated…

Continue Reading