Tolland's Big Pumpkin Explodes In Storm, Owner, Community Rallying To Replace It

TOLLAND, CT — A passerby drove past Kristopher Farley's house Monday morning, hoping to see the Big Tolland Pumpkin.

"Oh," the man said. "Guess he was able to get it down before the storm."

Nope. At a closer glance, there was orange shrapnel all over the yard. The storm wrecked it. It had been a seasonal staple since 2022.

It literally blew up in Sunday night's storm, Farley said.

"Well … it finally happened. After years of surviving wind, rain, and thousands of visitors, the 30-foot Tolland Pumpkin met its match today when it exploded in my front yard," Farley said. "Don’t worry, no one was hurt — except my soul. Pieces of orange fabric are currently scattered across the lawn like a Halloween war zone."

Farley said he has ordered a new one, which was originally a custom job. But he also started a Go-Fund-Me account to offset the costs. For the better part of October each year, he allows the public to pose with the Big Tolland Pumpkin in his yard on Route 74, just below the Tolland Green and across from a hardware store and the Senior Center driveway.

Farley and even lets folks park their vehicles in a cut-out in his driveway. And donations contribute to a good cause.

"For years, this giant inflatable pumpkin has been a Tolland tradition," he said. "Thousands of people stop by, take photos, bring their kids, and share a smile. Every Halloween we've used the pumpkin to raise money for Tolland Animal Control, helping animals in need right here in our community.

"This year was no different … until the boom."

So what happened"

"After standing tall through countless New England seasons, the pumpkin’s fabric finally gave out. The most likely cause was UV damage from years of sun exposure that weakened the seams," Farley said. "Once one tore under pressure, it all went downhill fast and loud."

The replacement has already been ordered from the original vendor, he said.

"And I’m doing everything I can to get it expedited so the Great Pumpkin of Tolland can rise again before Halloween night," Farley said.

Farley, who has always been humble about his seasonal role (he also has a big Christmas scene), is trying to raise money to offset some of the replacement and display expenses.

The Go-Fund-Me goal is $3,500 and, as of Monday afternoon, a total of $2,613 has been raised. The Go-Fund-Me-Link is here.

"The pumpkin might just be nylon and air, but it’s become a local symbol of community, laughter and giving back," Farley said. "Every photo, honk, and donation has helped animals, neighbors, and families share something fun together. Your donation will go directly toward the replacement pumpkin and setup costs so we can get him back up and glowing before Halloween night."