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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM, RI PUMPKIN GROWERS, INVITE PUBLIC TO ANNUAL GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF AT FRERICHS FARM IN WARREN PROVIDENCE -- The public is invited to the 11th annual Rhode Island Giant Pumpkin Championship, which will be held on Saturday, October 9 at Frerichs Farm* in Warren. Unloading of the biggest pumpkins grown in Rhode Island will begin at 10 a.m. with the weigh-off scheduled for 1 p.m. In case of rain, the championship will take place on Sunday, October 10. A second rain date has been set for Monday, October 11.Refreshments will be available, a "pumpkin coach" will shuttle people around, and corn and hay bale mazes will challenge the skill of attendees. It is recommended that the public bring lawn chairs or blankets on which to sit during the weigh-off. The always popular event is sponsored by the Rhode Island Pumpkin Growers Association and the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Agriculture to determine the largest pumpkin grown in the state each year and to crown an annual Rhode Island champion. Joe Jutras of North Scituate won last year's state event - and the state's record - with a 1225.4-pound Rhode Island-grown pumpkin. New Hampshire farmer Charlie Houghton set the New England record in 2002 for the largest pumpkin ever grown in New England, at 1337.6-pounds. The word record was won last year, with a 1385-pound pumpkin grown by Steve Daletas of Pleasant Hill, Oregon. Those interested in competing in this year's event or receiving additional information should contact Barbara Frerich at 245-8245 or Ron Newman of DEM's Division of Agriculture at 222-2781 ext. 4518. In case of rain, please call Frerich's Farm at (401)-245-8245 to confirm the date of the event. -30- *Frerichs Farm is on Kinnicutt Avenue off Route 103 in Warren |
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