Giant Pumpkin Contest Gears Up

The first of the giant pumpkins has been harvested and the residents of Russell are agog at its size.

At less than 50kg this first entry is much smaller than 'mother' Dolly (254kg) but still is a crowd-puller at Innovation in York Street, Russell where it waits to be joined by its sisters and brothers. Dolly was exhibited last year at Hawera and was NZ's largest pumpkin ever. Seed was donated last year by Dolly's grower in South Taranaki and sold as a fund-raiser for youth projects in the Russell district, being mailed to places all over New Zealand as well as many people in the Bay of Islands.

"Unfortunately, the heat and humidity has not been ideal for the pumpkins, but we're encouraging everyone to register for the contest, whatever size or shape their pumpkin is," said the organiser, Jacqui Knight. "Enter your pumpkin, with the backing of the sponsors we should have prizes for everyone - even the smallest.

Official entry forms are available now from Innovation. Pumpkins will be weighed courtesy of the BOI Swordfish Club, at Russell wharf on Sunday 16 April, at 10am.

From that date all pumpkins will be on display at Pompallier, and a celebration will take place at the Russell Kororareka Fringe Festival, Pompallier, over Easter

Further information can be obtained from Jacqui Knight on 09 403 8843.

ENDS

Jacqui Knight writing from Romantic Russell, Beautiful Bay of Islands, Amazing New Zealand Find me at innovation for the internet, business services and publisher of the RUSSELL LIGHTS My former life : http://teaparty.wonderland.gen.nz/jacqui/

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