Don Crews wins heaviest pumpkin once again

By Brandie Majeau

Don Crews, a grower from Lloydminster, once again claimed victory at the Great

White North Weigh-Off in Smoky Lake with his colossal 2137-pound pumpkin. Don, who

already holds the site and Canadian records with a 2537-pound pumpkin grown in 2022,

humbly admitted that he has lost count of his numerous weigh-off wins. Following

closely behind, Nathan Craven from Star, AB, secured second place with his impressive

1112.5-pound pumpkin.

In 2023, at the 50th Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half

Moon Bay, California, USA, Travis Gienger from the USA presented the heaviest

pumpkin ever recorded, weighing 2,749 pounds. Gienger affectionately named the

colossal pumpkin “Michael Jordan” as a tribute to the legendary basketball player’s

jersey number. He explained that he chose the name because the pumpkin initially

resembled a basketball in shape, although it did not remain spherical. Despite the final

shape, the pumpkin set a new record for its extraordinary size.

Ultimately, records are made to be broken and encourages a challenge to try

again the following year. Every year, growers learn more and tinker with pruning

techniques, temperature, and a myriad of other variables in the hopes to up the produce

growth just a little bit more. They grow to compete, they grow for glory, but many find the

challenge of giant pumpkins and produce a fascinating hobby. It transcends boundaries

and pushes limits. Local crowds and visitors to the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival

eagerly await to see the next weigh-off. The numbers are closing in. Could a local

Canadian be the next great grower to beat the previous record?

As the day-long festival came to a close, everyone eagerly awaited the much-

anticipated closing event: the pumpkin drop. The crowd swelled with excitement as a

massive industrial crane lifted two enormous pumpkins high into the air. Anticipation

filled the air as the giant gourds hung suspended at dizzying heights, only to be

released, hurtling down to crush a junk car below. The spectacle drew in the festival- goers, creating an exhilarating and unforgettable moment.