Full Breakdown
Giant Inflatable Pumpkin Rolls Through Cary, North Carolina
By Drooid · · How we work
The Unexpected Roll
During the annual Pumpkinfest at Phillips Farm in Cary, a two-story-high inflatable jack-o-lantern broke free from its tethers and rolled down a nearby road. Strong wind gusts—estimated at 35-40 mph (56-64 km/h)—propelled the orange balloon past a church, a fence line and several parked cars, prompting startled drivers to shout and wave as it barreled around a corner. Bystanders eventually corralled the wayward decoration and secured it before it could cause damage.
Background & Context
The oversized pumpkin is a centerpiece of the farm’s yearly Halloween celebration. The incident occurred as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias moved through the area and a tornado warning was in effect on Sunday. Farm workers had initially postponed inflating the ornament, but after the sun returned, Michael Phillips’ father, Lee Phillips, completed the setup.
Official Statements & Responses
He explained that sudden wind gusts caused the inflatable to lift and roll, and that farm staff regained control within about a minute. To prevent a repeat, the pumpkin has been fastened with paracord, baling twine, corkscrew spikes and tethered to two tractors, a setup Phillips said will hold unless the tractors themselves were to move.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s the best advertising we could ask for,” — Michael Phillips, owner of Phillips Farm “It’s the best advertising we could ask for,” — Michael Phillips, owner of Phillips Farm
- “All of a sudden, we started getting like 35-, 40-mile-an-hour (56-64 kilometer) wind gusts out of nowhere,” — Michael Phillips, owner of Phillips Farm “All of a sudden, we started getting like 35-, 40-mile-an-hour (56-64 kilometer) wind gusts out of nowhere,” — Michael Phillips, owner of Phillips Farm
What’s Next
The inflatable pumpkin has been relocated to the entrance of the farm’s corn maze, where officials say it is unlikely to escape again. No further incidents have been reported, and the farm plans to continue its Pumpkinfest celebrations for the remainder of the season.