GREAT PUMPKINS
Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest returns Sunday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.
» Last year the heaviest pumpkin weighed over 1,700 pounds. This year the winner might eclipse 1,800 pounds. It would only be appropriate with the 3rd Annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest moving to a larger location.
Todd Brownell brought the idea for the event to Ned Chapman of Sunnyside Gardens several years ago. Brownell had been growing pumpkins for giant pumpkin competitions for years.
Sunnyside Gardens hosted the event the first two years, but now the fest moves to Saratoga Spa State Park, outside of the Lincoln Bath building, on Sunday.
Typically between 30 and 40 giant pumpkins compete. The event itself draws a massive crowd.
“Usually the amazement of the size, that’s the first that draws you into it,” said Brownell. “…It’s basically very family-orientated, fun event. It’s mostly to hang out with other people that share the same experience.”
Secrets are shared on how to grow bigger pumpkins. It’s a social event for pumpkin growers, Brownell said. Since he’s been to other giant pumpkin competitions, notably a weigh off in Cooperstown that no longer exists, Brownell knew this event would become a major one.
“I knew how big Cooperstown was and how they made a weekend event out of it, so I knew that it could be this big, because I’ve been there and I’ve seen how it draws people,” said Brownell.
Saratoga Springs has become a destination for eastern New York pumpkin growers.
Andy Wolf, of Little Val-
"Usually the amazement of the size, that’s the first that draws you into it. … It’s basically very familyorientated, fun event. It’s mostly to hang out with other people that share the same experience." — Todd Brownell
ley, had a pumpkin weigh in at 1,742 to secure last year’s PumpkinFest crown. He used a 2145 McMullen seed. The process of picking the right seed, as Brownell explained, takes through the winter. In April, in the home of pumpkin growers the germination begins. In early May it’s placed in the ground. The plant matures in the summertime where the caretaker tends to spend between a halfhour and an hour a day maintaining it. By September, it’s cruise control, but Brownell explained there’s a constant worry and work to prevent molds and mildew.
The fest will be next to the Spa City Farmer’s Market, which means people attending will be able to interact with vendors at the market. Festival sponsors, like Dizzy Chicken and Stewart’s Shops, will be on hand with chicken, mac ’n’ cheese and ice cream. Hoffman’s Car Wash will be hosting a cornhole contest where participants can win free car washes and more.
The giant pumpkin growers compete for a range of cash prizes totaling $8,500. The event goes from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday.