Growers from across the Northeast, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, participated in the event. Most of the growers lamented this year's weather, which adversely affected the growth of their pumpkins. The dry April, wet June, brutally hot July, and unseasonably cool August resulted in just one pumpkin with a weight over 1,000 pounds. The winning entry came from Fairfield's Nick Huydic, who was pleased after his pumpkin tipped the scales at 1,290.5 pounds.
Second place was awarded to Chris Adams of New London, pictured below, who grew a 981-pound pumpkin. He took part in his first pumpkin weigh-off and was pleased with the result. Third place went to Mark Lombardi of Milford with a weight of 974 pounds, and the fourth-place finisher was Eddie Giarusso of Prudence Island, Rhode Island with a 968.5 pound entry.
The weather and setting of the event were picture-perfect with mostly sunny skies, a light breeze, and temperatures in the upper 60s. Steve Maydan, a regular participant when the event was held in Fairfield, spearheaded the change of venue and did a tremendous job planning and organizing it. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce partnered with the club to host the event. Chamber executive director Marion Roth greeted the huge crowd and was thrilled with the turnout.
In addition to the dozen pumpkins which were weighed, Dr. David Garrell of Fairfield, who previously hosted the event at Penfield Pavilion, took home the prize for the longest gourd, and there was a winner for the biggest green squash. I was helped by several Ridgefield children, who assisted me by keeping a huge chart with the results and holding the names of each of the contestants as his pumpkin was being weighed. It was a fabulous event and one which has become an annual tradition for me.
Paul
