Monster Pumpkin Weighs in at 1,522 Pounds

While it doesn’t quite beat a Swiss gardener’s record-breaking 2,096-pounder, the giant orange pumpkin now on display in Dunedin is sure to turn a few heads this Halloween season.

Weighing in at 1,522 pounds, the pumpkin was grown by Dunedin resident Dan Liggett’s father and mother, Bob and Jo Liggett, in Circleville, Ohio.

Bob Liggett “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 Liggett was 1,636 pounds.

While Bob Liggett’s near 1-ton pumpkin is not in Florida, son Dan now has a close runner-up on display.

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

When Dad said yes, Dan and Mark headed north on Monday, meeting Bob in Chattanooga, Tenn., to pick up the monster pumpkin and bring it back to Dunedin.

“We set up the display last night (Tuesday) and it’s there for people to take photos anytime they wish, now through Halloween,” Mark said.

Why go through all the trouble?

“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.”

The monster pumpkin is now on display at 1532 Santa Clara Drive in Dunedin.

Photo Credit: This monster weighs in at 1,522 pounds. Photo courtesy of the Liggett family.