20th Giant Pumpkin Contest in Warren

Giant pumpkin growers make their way to Warren again on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The 20th annual competition of the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and the RI Department of Environmental Management takes place at Frerichs Farm on Kinnicutt Avenue.

The event runs from around 9 am to 5 pm. It includes corn and hay bale mazes, a “pumpkin coach,” pumpkin painting, arts and crafts and the always anticipated “pumpkin drop” from a crane. That takes place at 11:30 am before the pumpkin weigh-off at noon. 

Rhode Island actually is the home of the largest pumpkin ever recorded. Ron Wallace of Coventry holds both the world record and the second-highest weight for this special species of pumpkin. 

The event is free but there is a $5 charge for parking. If it rains, the competition moves to Sunday. Call Frerichs Farm at 401-245-8245 for more information. 

Need directions to Frerichs Farm? 

Take I-195 East to Rt. 136 [Exit 2 in Massachusetts]. Follow Route 136 south for two miles to Schoolhouse Road on the left. Follow Schoolhouse Road for one mile to Kinnicutt Avenue (right at the fork). Frerichs Farm is not far on the right.