Coffs Harbour has the Big Banana, travel further north to Queensland where the Big Pineapple is located, while sitting on the outskirts of Goulburn is the Big Merino.
Now Coomba Park wants to join the big community, but not of the sand and cement kind.
Coomba and District Progress Association (CDPA) is on the hunt for the biggest pumpkin.
To date Australia’s largest pumpkin, which weighed in at a paltry 733kg and was produced in Victoria, pales in comparison to world’s biggest, grown in Germany and topping the scales at 1.19 tonnes.
Even our mates across the ditch have managed to outgrow the Aussie version with an almost massive 808kg
“Being a rugby fan that got me really mad,” CDPA’s David Gemmell said.
So, David and his wife Yvonne decided to correct this imbalance by holding a giant pumpkin growing competition during next year’s Autumn Country Fair.
To assist in its search the group has secured a collection of pumpkin seeds specifically developed for achieving such a feat.
As the months progress up to judging we will be giving regular pumpkin reports to keep all informed on our progress towards being world champions.
- David Gemmell
Every entrant in the giant pumpkin growing competition will be given a pack of eight seeds of the Big Max and Giant Atlantic varieties, along with growing instructions.
“CDPA has put together a pack that is available to all those interested in attempting to grow the world record breaker,” David said.
Growing time is approximately 15 weeks, ideal for the April 20 judging date.
“This competition is going to be fun and since seeds became available last week friendly rivalry is starting to show.”
The competition has already received 25 entries, including two from Bungwahal and Pacific Palms public schools’ students, along with entries from keen gardeners, families and individuals of all ages.
“But, we would like to see more schools enter,” David said.
“As the months progress up to judging we will be giving regular pumpkin reports to keep all informed on our progress towards being world champions.
Seeds are available from tourist information centres in Forster, Blueys Beach and Pollards Store in Coomba.
Seeds are available free to school groups, while there is a $10 cost to all other entries.
The Coomba Country Fair, on Easter Saturday, April 20 from 10am-2pm, will include market stalls, children’s games and musical entertainment.
The pumpkin entrants will be judged from noon by a celebrity judge and prizes given to winners in several categories, not just biggest, to junior, senior, school and family groups.
“If a pumpkin is too big to bring to the fair transport will be arranged.
For more information contact David or Yvonne Gemmell on dcgemmell@yahoo.com, 6554 2269 or Del Jeal at deljeal@nepeanblue.com.au
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
