Giant pumpkin wins first place

A giant 172-pound pumpkin that won first place at Powell River Fall Fair in the pumpkin category was grown in the City of Powell River’s public works yard.

Pat McGowan, an equipment operator with the city, collected the blue ribbon and a perfect score from the judges for the giant, his fourth win in the pumpkin category and one that he is enjoying very much.

McGowan said he planted Atlantic giant pumpkin seeds in May, then transplanted the baby plants to the public works yard when they were large enough.

After its award-winning stint at the fall fair, the pumpkin was transported back to the public works yard. Its next destination is the Thanksgiving display at Powell River Recreation Complex.

McGowan started growing giant pumpkins about 25 years ago in his backyard in Wildwood. “I’ve seen the 1,000-pound pumpkins and always dreamed of growing one that big, but I’ve never been that successful,” he said.

The largest pumpkin McGowan has grown was 182 pounds. “There’s really not a lot of work involved,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting them started and giving them a little bit of water. They’ll grow all by themselves quite happily.”

He’s an organic gardener, McGowan added, so he uses only grass clippings and leaves to grow his giants. “It’s all about the fun,” he said. “Hopefully, some of the kids next year have a look at this and they can try and do it themselves.”

McGowan saves the seeds from his pumpkins to plant for next year’s batch.

He has also taken the seeds to Seedy Saturday to give to children, in an effort to get them involved in growing the giants. “They can try to beat the big pumpkin,” he said. “They can go to the fall fair and see if they can get a winner. It’s all just for fun.”

Also, the giant pumpkins make memorable jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween, McGowan pointed out. “It’s such a great thing when kids come to the door and have a look at them,” he said. “They always have a big smile.”

They usually ask where he grew the large pumpkin, McGowan added. “I tell them, ‘in my backyard and you can grow one too.’”