Size Matters in Ridgefield Pumpkin Weigh Off

Ridgefield hosts the 2013 Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off Sept. 29 at Ballard Park, an event sponsored by both the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Pumpkin Club.

Competitors will haul in their heaviest pumpkin, squash and longest gourd. The Ridgefield Chamber is preparing posters and other promotional materials for next month's contest, said Chamber Director Marion Roth.

"We're working on the entertainment. We're working on the posters," Roth said. Last year's weigh off took place in Fairfield. Ridgefield is looking for exhibitors and vendors and for sponsors for the event. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29. For information, check www.ridgefieldchamber.org. The Chamber can be reached at 203-438-5992.

Ridgefield has its own top competitor in Steve Maydan, who grew a pumpkin of over 900 pounds last year, and is hoping to grow one of more than 1,000 pounds this year. The world record is 2,009 pounds, according to CraZy-Growers.de alias Chili-Forum.de & BigPumpkins.org. grown by Ron Wallace of Greene, RI in 2012.