Full Breakdown
Manitoba’s Heaviest Pumpkin Shatters Provincial Record
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Record-Breaking Pumpkin at the Roland Pumpkin Fair
A light-orange gourd weighing 782 kg (1,725 lb) was declared the champion at the Roland Pumpkin Fair in the village of Roland, about 80 km southwest of Winnipeg, on Saturday. Grown by Cornie Banman of the Rural Municipality of Stanley, the pumpkin surpassed Banman’s own 2019 provincial record and earned a $1,500 prize. The fruit was lifted onto a pallet with a sling and Bobcat before being placed on a trailer for transport.
Fair Background and Competition
The Roland Pumpkin Fair is an annual event that showcases giant pumpkins from across Manitoba. This year, 20 pumpkins were weighed, including Banman’s wife Helen Banman, whose 701 kg (1,546 lb) pumpkin captured silver. The record-setting pumpkin is now on display at a grocery store in Winkler, roughly 20 km north of the Banman farm.
Data & Statistics
- Weight of champion pumpkin: 782 kg (1,725 lb) – provincial record.
- Prize for first place: $1,500.
- Number of entries: 20 pumpkins weighed.
- Silver-medal pumpkin: 701 kg (1,546 lb) by Helen Banman.
- Growth rate: Banman estimated the pumpkin gained 40–50 lb per day during its peak growth phase.
Official Statements & Responses
Banman said the achievement resulted from a combination of heavy fertilizer use and favorable weather after an early-season water excess caused the plants to yellow. He noted that once the excess moisture dried, the pumpkins “took off.” Looking ahead, Banman expressed confidence that he can exceed this year’s weight at next year’s fair, describing the new record as a “hefty challenge.” He also highlighted the logistical effort required to move the massive fruit, noting the use of a sling, Bobcat, and trailer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I beat my own record and that was my goal,” — Saturday. Cornie Banman
- “With all the rain and the spring that we had, the plants turned yellow and they had too much water in the beginning, but then, all of a sudden, they took off,” — Saturday. Cornie Banman