Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:20 am GMT
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — More than 300,000 attendees are expected at the Utah State Fair taking place over the next 11 days in Salt Lake City, featuring various attractions including a prized giant pumpkin competition. From September 8 to 18, 2024, the fair will showcase a variety of events including baking, livestock, and creative arts, alongside the highly anticipated pumpkin contest.
Giant Pumpkin Competition Highlights
The giant pumpkin competition is a central feature of the Utah State Fair, with pumpkins set to be weighed on Sunday, September 8, at 4 p.m. These impressive gourds will remain on display for the duration of the event. Clint Nash, president of the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers, has entered a pumpkin weighing 880 pounds this year. However, he expressed concerns about its viability after discovering a small hole in the bottom on opening day. It’s not easy; there are a lot of factors that come into play,” Nash said, noting challenges such as weather, pests, and fungal infections that can affect the pumpkins’ health.
Nash explained that Utah’s climate makes it difficult to grow giant pumpkins. The temperature can fluctuate from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to the low 70s at night, requiring growers to adapt their methods. He shared that they often mist and shade the pumpkins during the heat of the day and cover them with blankets at night to maintain warmth.
Grower Experiences and Techniques
Another prominent grower, Jim Seamons, manages Cache Valley Giant Pumpkins and has been cultivating these giant gourds for about a decade. He operates approximately 100 acres where he grows hay and pumpkins. He sells many of his pumpkins online, shipping them throughout the United States. Last year, he dispatched around 80 pumpkins to Texas alone, transporting them with care by securing them between mattresses in a semi-trailer.
Seamons typically grows pumpkins that weigh between 500 and 600 pounds, but his largest pumpkin, which suffered a soft spot before weighing, would have exceeded 2,000 pounds had it been intact. During last year’s competition, the heaviest parts that could be measured reached 1,870 pounds, comparable to the weight of a bull or bison.
Activities Beyond the Competition
After the weighing, the giant pumpkins play a role in various entertaining activities during the fair. Participants often enjoy unique events like pumpkin drops from cranes and competitive pumpkin boat races, where participants float on giant pumpkins. Seamons expressed that giant pumpkins bring joy and laughter, saying, “They just seem to bring out the best in everybody. It doesn’t matter where you go; you can’t help but smile at a pumpkin like this.” He emphasized his goal of providing a brief escape for people through the fun and amusement generated by giant pumpkins.
Community Engagement at the Fair
The Utah State Fair remains a significant event for local communities, providing a space for family-friendly enjoyment and cultural engagement. In addition to the pumpkin competition, attendees can partake in various rides, indulge in local foods, and participate in several artistic and livestock competitions. These activities foster a sense of community and allow residents and visitors to celebrate Utah’s agricultural heritage.
The fair’s diverse offerings cater to all ages, promoting fun and education about local farming practices and the hard work involved in cultivating giant pumpkins. As competition day approaches, the excitement among growers and attendees continues to build, highlighting the rich traditions and shared experiences of the Utah State Fair.
For further information and detailed schedules, participants are encouraged to visit the official Utah State Fair website to plan their visit and stay updated on specific events, including the giant pumpkin competition. The fair promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with fun, creativity, and community spirit throughout its 11-day run.
The Utah State Fair is a fun event where you can enjoy rides, games, and delicious food. It’s a great place to spend time with family and friends. You can see cool animals and watch exciting shows too!
