Giant 1,633-Pound Pumpkin Arrives in Dunedin

When it’s time to decorate for Halloween, Dan and Shonda Liggett like to go big, really big.

Case in point: a 1,633-pound pumpkin that now sits in the yard of their Dunedin home. The centerpiece of the Liggett family’s Halloween display is a special delivery from Dan’s father, Dr. Bob Liggett. The elder Liggett and Dan’s mother Jo happen to have a passion for growing pumpkins on their property in Circleville, Ohio.

Bob Liggett, in fact, “has been a champion pumpkin grower for over 20 years and recently shattered his own record at the Circleville Pumpkin Show,” explained longtime family friend Mark Papia.

Liggett’s record-breaking pumpkin weighed in at 1,964 pounds, according to Circleville Today. The previous record held by Bob and Jo was 1,636 pounds.

“Each year, he (Bob) grows a few giants for the Circleville Pumpkin Show,” Mark explained in a previous Patch article. “He normally gives the pumpkins to family in the local area after the show.”

Last year, Dan and Mark drove to Chattanooga, Tenn., to pick up a 1,522-pound pumpkin to put on display in Dunedin. This year, Bob met his son and friend Mark in Dalton, Ga., on Monday to ensure the pumpkin’s arrival in time for Halloween, said Shonda.

“They drove 17 hours total just to bring the pumpkin back home to Dunedin,” she said. The monster gourd happens to be the biggest Bob grew this year and has even earned a name: Ellie Dalton.

Shonda said this year’s special arrival is one of four grown by Bob this year. It’s also one she and her family helped tend just a little bit.

“We were actually home for a family reunion this year in Circleville, Ohio, and were able to help out in the patch,” she said. “The kids enjoyed helping out.”

So, why do the Liggetts and friend Mark go through so much trouble to truck a pumpkin in for the holiday?

Mark explained, “Dan thought it would be a great opportunity for people to see these awesome creations of nature and share his father’s passion with the local community.”

Folks who would like to see the pumpkin in person can drive by the Liggett home at 1532 Santa Clara Drive in Dunedin.

“We would love to share the pumpkin with everyone,” said Shonda. “They are welcome to take pictures with it.”

Last year, it seems entire families, daycare centers and even buses of people stopped by to take pictures with the pumpkin.

“It’s all about sharing with the community,” she said.

Photos courtesy of the Liggett Family