Source: NCDA&CS, 10/9/15


WHO/WHAT: Seventeen giant pumpkins and 16 super-sized watermelons have been registered to compete in the N.C. State Fair Great Pumpkin/Watermelon competition, sanctioned by the international group, The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. This weigh-in makes for good videos and photos, as these behemoths will be carefully loaded onto industrial scales with a forklift. Depending on the density, sometimes the largest-sized pumpkins or watermelons are not the heaviest.

WHEN/WHERE: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13
Expo Center, State Fairgrounds

WHY: This competition is open to growers in any state, with registered entries coming from North Carolina (22 entries), Arkansas (1), Kentucky (1), South Carolina (1) and Tennessee (3). Prizes for first, second and third places are $1,250, $750 and $500, respectively. The winners will be displayed in the Expo Center.

There will also be separate giant pumpkin and watermelon competitions for North Carolina residents only. These entries can also be entered into the sanctioned competition.

MORE INFO: If there are rock stars of the State Fair fruit and vegetable competitions, these giants are them. The giant pumpkins even have their own selfie station, because so many people stop to take pictures with them.