Giant Pumpkin Breaks World Record At Topsfield Fair

TOPSFIELD (CBS) – A giant pumpkin broke the world record at the Topsfield Fair Friday night.

Ron Wallace's pumpkin weighed in at 2,009 pounds.

Wallace, who is from Rhode Island, told WBZ-TV's Kate Merrill that growing the giant pumpkin is a full time job.

"It's really a labor of love," says Ron. "From when you plant the seeds in April until you pick it."

Ron says that during peak growth, the pumpkins can grow 40 pounds per week.

Wallace won a total of $15,500 in prize money which included $5,500 for first place plus an additional $10,000 prize the Topsfield Fair added this year for the largest pumpkin weighing in at over 2,000 pounds.

Other growers at the fair admitted to having "pumpkin envy" but were excited that the record was likely to be broken.

"There is some great pumpkins here, I am just honored to be in the conversation," Ron said before the weigh in.

A pumpkin at the Deerfield Fair in New Hampshire was the previous world record holder, weighing in at 1,843.5 pounds.

"It was very exciting to watch the number on the scale climb to over the 2,000 pound mark," said Jim O'Brien, General Manager of the Topsfield Fair. "We are very proud that the new world record was set in Topsfield and we hope everyone comes to see this incredible pumpkin on display at the Topsfield Fair."

The Topsfield Fair runs through Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012.