Brentwood Bay’s Ian Robinson is taking home three blue ribbons for his giant pumpkin entered at this year’s Saanich Fair.
Robinson won for the heaviest, at 797 pounds, beating out Glenn and Andrea Dixon’s 698-pound entry, grown in Mill Bay.
Another blue ribbon came for winning the ugliest pumpkin and a third for a pumpkin being closest to what is called the hidden weight. Whichever pumpkin was closest in weight to a secret higher number, won the ribbon.
After growing pumpkins for many years, Robinson decided to become competitive this year. The family dubbed the squash Autumn and rooted for her.
Entering the fair “was a really cool family thing,” Robinson said Monday. Three generations of the family showed up for Sunday’s weighing. “It was a riot.”
Robinson is planning to enter again next year.
Autumn the pumpkin will be going home where Robinson is hoping it will hold its shape to be carved for Halloween. Soup and other pumpkin goodies will also be on the menu.
