Dale Marshall of Anchorage once again claimed victory at the Alaska Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh Off, securing his 14th overall and 8th consecutive title on Monday at the Alaska State Fair.
Marshall’s winning entry weighed 18,20 pounds, a massive pumpkin by any standard. However, it was still short of his personal and state record of 2,147 pounds, which he set in 2022. Last year’s prizewinner weighed at 2,035 pounds.
For this year’s win, Marshall received a $1,000 prize. He also brought a second entry weighing 1,746 pounds, though contest rules allow only one pumpkin per entrant to place. Marshall was surprised to learn he faced little competition this year.
The only other qualifying pumpkin was submitted by first-time grower Ron Passarelli of Palmer. Passarella’s entry weighed 71 pounds. Despite the size difference, he received second place and a $500 prize due to the one-place-per-grower rule.
Passarelly admitted it was his first attempt at growing anything, let alone a pumpkin. According to Lara Stanley, the State Fair’s exhibits manager, organisers reached out to previous participants when it appeared there would be fewer entries.
Some growers referred to the time commitment required to care for the pumpkins, while others said they were working on improving their growing setups and planned to return in future years. Despite the limited turnout, Marshall said he was proud of his pumpkins, although he had hoped for slightly better weights.
