Redemption for Alaska State Fair Pumpkin Winner

It’s often said the journey is more fulfilling than the actual event when it comes to competition and at the Alaska State Fair, the journey is practically the competition when it comes to the giant pumpkin weigh-off.

On Tuesday, Dale Marshall had redemption after last year’s disqualification for a dime size hold. Marshall’s pumpkin, weighing in at the hefty size of 931 pounds, took top honors at the annual event.

Marshall said “I’m really happy with that, especially with this year getting here with no holes and almost a thousand [pounds], oh yeah that’s nice.”

The other three contestants had their pumpkins damaged during travel or had disqualifying marks, and only two qualified for judging.

Last year, the winning pumpkin tipped the scales at over 1,287 pounds.

Pumpkin growers said the dismal summer weather has contributed to smaller pumpkins this season.