The Giant Pumpkin & Fall Harvest Competition was held this past Sunday at Hicks Nurseries in Westbury. The competition, held each October, invites Long Islanders to bring their own-grown pumpkins, large and small to the nursery for the chance to win a cash prize, a blue ribbon and plaque. The contest also included new categories for Best Decorated Vegetable, Coolest Giant Vegetable, Best Fall Bouquet and a children’s category which awarded all beginner gardeners for their efforts.
Although the hardest part is surely growing the pumpkin itself, getting the pumpkin onto a truck or trailer and then bringing it to Hicks Nurseries is no small feat either.
Once the pumpkins arrive at the nursery, the Hicks’ receiving team uses wooden pallets and forklifts to bring each pumpkin to the scale. This year we were fortunate to have pumpkins that were grown all over Long island including Peconic, East Northport and New Hyde Park to name a few.
Congratulations to all – we can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Robert Sabin won 1st place with this gigantic 731 pound pumpkin.
2nd place winner Robert Phillips grew this beautiful 664 pound pumpkin in Peconic.
Daniela Tobie grew this 43 pound pumpkin at her home in Wantagh.
Doug B. of Southold grew this amazing 479 pound pumpkin.
David de Neergaard of East Northport grew this bright orange 572 pound pumpkin.
Dennis P. of Huntington grew this amazing 334 pound pumpkin.
John Manzione of New Hyde Park grew this 257 pound pumpkin.
Congrats to Emily M. for her 377 pound pumpkin!
Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off Participants:
1st place: Robert Sabin of Mill Neck, 731 lb. pumpkin
2nd place: Robert Phillips of Peconic, 664 lb. pumpkin
3rd place: Elisa deNeergaard of East Northport, 603 lb. pumpkin
4th place: David deNeergaard of East Northport, 572 lb. pumpkin
5th place: Douglas Bufkius of Southold, 479 lb. pumpkin
6th place: Emily Manzione of New Hyde Park, 377 lb. pumpkin
7th place: Dennis Pfleger of Huntington, 334 lb. pumpkin
8th place: Northport Middle School, 326 lb. pumpkin
9th place: John Manzione of New Hyde Park, 257 lb. pumpkin
10th place: George Boyd of Kings Park, 94 lb. pumpkin
11th place: Daniela Tobie of Wantagh, 43 lb. pumpkin
Best Fall Bouquet
Jeany Lee of Muttontown won Best Bouquet with this beauty filled with hydrangea, sedum and grasses.
Best Decorated Vegetable
Snake created by Dennis Pfleger and family.