Here in Minnesota, we have records for all kinds of things. For example, the longest sturgeon caught on a Minnesota lake measured 78 inches long. The biggest white-tailed deer recorded in Minnesota was a 500-pound buck. And, as of this year’s Stillwater Harvest Fest, Minnesota has a new record pumpkin as well. The impressive pumpkin smashed the previous record by more than 70 pounds. Read on below to see the pumpkin and learn what it takes to grow such a behemoth:

Every year, Stillwater Harvest Fest includes dozens of fun activities, including many that are pumpkin-themed. These include a pumpkin smashing event and a pumpkin regatta in the St. Croix River.

Stillwater Harvest Fest/Facebook But one of the most exciting events at the festival is the giant pumpkin weigh-off. It is usually done in person, but the 2020 weigh-off was done virtually.

Pumpkin growers from around Minnesota and beyond haul in their giant pumpkins for display. These pumpkins aren’t like your usual garden variety pumpkin.

Stillwater Harvest Fest/Facebook Giant pumpkins are a special kind. They’re usually grown with a giant pumpkin seed. Seeds can cost around $100 or more. If properly cared for, giant pumpkins can grow up to 50 pounds per day! They take a lot of work, but the results are astonishing.

Over the years, the weigh-off at Stillwater Harvest Fest has resulted in many new records. In 2018, a giant pumpkin weighing 1,918 pounds broke Minnesota state pumpkin records.

Stillwater Harvest Fest/Facebook

In 2020, the record was broken again. The new record pumpkin in Minnesota weighs in at 1,990.5 pounds. It’s more than 70 pounds heavier than the previous record.

Stillwater Harvest Fest/Facebook The new record pumpkin was grown by Charlie Bernstrom from Lancaster, Minnesota. He won a $5,000 prize for the record accomplishment.

For more information about Stillwater Harvest Fest, check out their website and Facebook page.

Stillwater Harvest Fest/Facebook

But one of the most exciting events at the festival is the giant pumpkin weigh-off. It is usually done in person, but the 2020 weigh-off was done virtually.

Giant pumpkins are a special kind. They’re usually grown with a giant pumpkin seed. Seeds can cost around $100 or more. If properly cared for, giant pumpkins can grow up to 50 pounds per day! They take a lot of work, but the results are astonishing.

The new record pumpkin was grown by Charlie Bernstrom from Lancaster, Minnesota. He won a $5,000 prize for the record accomplishment.

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Address: Stillwater, MN 55082, USA