RALEIGH – The pumpkins and the watermelons had their BIG day at the fair in Tuesday’s giant pumpkin and watermelon competition. The winning entries will be on display in the Agri Supply Expo Center for fairgoers to see and photograph at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
Tuesday’s weigh-in included the special competition sanctioned by The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and hosted by the N.C. State Fair. The competition is open to competitors from other states.
“The giant pumpkin and watermelons are a must visit on your trip to the Fair,” said Kent Yelverton, fair director. “These giants will be photographed thousands of times during the fair’s 11-day run. We appreciate the growers that put the time and effort into growing these giants and showcasing them at our fair.”
This year, Albert Rodebaugh of Craigsville, W.Va. placed first with a 2,123-pound pumpkin. Rodebaugh also received the Howard Dill Award for the best-looking pumpkin of the competition. David and Gwen Harris of Blacksburg set a Virginia state record and placed second with a 1,861.8-pound pumpkin. Father-daughter duo Chris and Stella Rodebaugh of Lewisburg, W.Va. placed third with a 1,422-pound pumpkin…