We wish Don Young of Des Moines all the best, as of September 13, the pumpkin pictured above was estimated to be 1,575 to 1,625 lbs. – and growing! The circumference on October 1, 2007 was 427 inches.

The Pumpkinfest and Weigh-off, in Anamosa, Iowa, is the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa. Growers of these giant pumpkins (and the prettiest and ugliest) will receive a portion of over $6,000 in cash prizes.

The Midwest Pumpkin Growers Association is in Anamosa. Growers from all over Iowa—plus Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin - bring their humongous pumpkins to the annual festival.

Last year’s World Record 1,502-pound winner Ron Wallace from Rhode Island was surpassed on September 29, 2007 by Joe Jutras with a 1,689 lb. giant.

For more information, visit the Pumpkinfest website.