Vancouver Island, known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery, now has another reason to celebrate—the largest pumpkin of the year!
Kerri van Kooten-Perras, a resident of Campbell River, achieved sweet success at the recent BC’s annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Langley, clinching the top spot with her mammoth creation known as Walter.
This enormous Atlantic giant pumpkin tipped the scales at a jaw-dropping 1,152 pounds, securing Kerri’s title as this year’s pumpkin champion.
Organized by Giant Pumpkins British Columbia, the competition attracted pumpkin aficionados from across the province.
Kooten-Perras triumphed over her competitors with a pumpkin that weighed in at a hefty 25 pounds more than the second-place contender. It’s safe to say that Walter was the heavyweight champion of the day.
In the aftermath of her triumph, Kerri took to Facebook to express her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to everyone who had a hand in putting on the event – it was fantastic to meet other growers and see the enthusiasm for this crazy hobby.”
Kooten-Perras’s journey to the top was no overnight success.
In 2017, she secured a respectable third place with a 1,074-pound pumpkin. This year, she outdid herself, claiming the coveted first-place prize.
Her hard work paid off in the form of a pumpkin that could easily serve as Cinderella’s carriage, if Cinderella lived on Vancouver Island.
Kooten-Perras may be the reigning pumpkin queen of Vancouver Island, it’s worth noting that the competition isn’t limited to provincial boundaries.
Dave Chan, hailing from Richmond, BC, holds the North American record for the heaviest giant pumpkin. His colossal creation, which weighed a mind-boggling 2,212 pounds, smashed records on September 30th.
Chan’s achievement highlights the incredible world of giant pumpkin growing, where enthusiasts from across North America push the limits of what’s possible.
As the sun sets on another year of pumpkin-growing competitions, Vancouver Island can bask in the glory of having the largest pumpkin in the province, courtesy of Kooten-Perras and her remarkable pumpkin, Walter.
Walter is now resting at his new home at Coastal Blacks Pumpkin Fest in Black Creek.
And if you’re in need of a pumpkin still, make sure to check out our list of locations to pick the perfect pumpkin this season.
