Massachusetts Man Prepares for Big Pumpkin Pie

The Globe reports that Sharon resident Steve Connolly is growing what he hopes may be the world's biggest pumpkin. Tipping the scales at nearly 2000 pounds (currently 1878 pounds and growing at a rate of 11 pounds a day), Connolly has created a ton of pumpkinness that's already (unofficially) smashed the current world record of 1689 pounds. It'd take a chainsaw to carve this thing. Careful protection from the elements and feeding with the delicious combination of ground bone, blood, fish, molasses, and manure have helped the pumpkin grow strong. (No word on whether any steroids were involved.) Perhaps this is the Great Pumpkin Linus has been awaiting for so long? Current world record holder Joe Jutras is skeptical, noting that the weight of Connolly's pumpkin is estimated from its measurement, and saying that some pumpkins weigh heavy, some weigh light. Find out October 11 (October 12 rain date) during the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Annual Weigh-off at Frerichs Farm in Warren, Rhode Island, whether Connolly's Cucurbita makes it to the top.