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Mark Blyth’s 113kg pumpkin brings home gold for heaviest pumpkin at 2024 Lower Kalgan Pumpkin Festival

Josiah McMeekinAlbany Advertiser
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Mark Blyth with his winning 113.8kg pumpkin.
Camera IconMark Blyth with his winning 113.8kg pumpkin. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertiser

According to the winners of the Lower Kalgan Pumpkin Festival’s heaviest pumpkin competition, the key to success is a good location, not too much fertiliser, a little bit of vine maintenance and making sure the cows don’t eat it.

Weighing in at a whopping 113.8kg, Mark Blyth’s impressive gourd won first place in the Lower Kalgan Pumpkin Festival’s heaviest pumpkin competition.

This is only his second year in the competition.

Mark Blyth receives his award from Damien Benson.
Camera IconMark Blyth receives his award from Damien Benson. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertiser

“Last year I went too heavy with all different nutrients and stuff, and I pretty much spoiled it,” Mr Blyth said.

“It was four things: location, genetics — if you can get a good seed that helps — then plenty of water and then a bit of vine maintenance.”

He thoroughly squashing the competition, with Broomehill’s Sue Youngman’s second-placed pumpkin weighing 67.5kg.

Sue Youngman with her pumpkin.
Camera IconSue Youngman with her pumpkin. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertise/Albany Advertiser

Amara Fremantle trailed closely behind in third, her pumpkin weighing 59.4kg.

In the junior competition, Emily Bocian claimed first place with a pumpkin weighing 26.6kg.

Emily told the Advertiser the secret to her success was enough, but not too much, sunlight and most importantly, making sure the cows didn’t eat it.

Dhakota Upton won second, her pumpkin weighing in at 15.6kg, and Emily’s brother George got third for his gourd which weighed 13.5kg.

The festival also held a tastiest pumpkin soup competition.

Laura Adams won the people’s choice and chef’s choice for a delicious bacon-pumpkin soup.

Sue Youngman took home two more silver awards, winning chef and the people’s second choice for her pumpkin soup.

Junior Competition winner Emily Bocian, 10.
Camera IconJunior Competition winner Emily Bocian, 10. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertise/Albany Advertiser
Mark Blyth's Pumpkin won first place, weighing 113.8kg.
Camera IconMark Blyth's Pumpkin won first place, weighing 113.8kg. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertise/Albany Advertiser
Sue Youngman came in second place with her pumpkin weighing 67.5kg.
Camera IconSue Youngman came in second place with her pumpkin weighing 67.5kg. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertise/Albany Advertiser
Amara Fremantle's pumpkin came in third, weighing 59.4kg.
Camera IconAmara Fremantle's pumpkin came in third, weighing 59.4kg. Credit: Josiah McMeekin/Albany Advertise/Albany Advertiser

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