TOPSFIELD, Mass. — It wasn't a record-breaking year for the Topsfield Fair's Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, but it was a big year for Bill and Linda Rodonis, who took the prize yesterday with a 1,471.6-pound monster squash.
The Litchfield, N.H., couple just missed winning the past two years, although they have grown the biggest pumpkin in their state, Bill said.
"I've been a farmer all my life," he said. "When I retired, I started as a hobby to utilize my time."
He's been growing the pumpkins since 2003.
"We're a team," Linda said. "This is awesome, just awesome."
The second-place pumpkin weighed in at 1,409 pounds.
The New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off is an opening-weekend tradition at the fair.
Spectators and growers gather in the arena to find out who will walk away with bragging rights. The winner is then displayed in the Fruit & Vegetables Building through Columbus Day.
The Guinness world record was set here in 2007, when Joe Jutras of North Scituate, R.I., showed up with a 1,689-pounder.
Last year, Oakham resident Wes Dwelly's 1,464 pound pumpkin took first prize.
