A huge 1,018-pound Atlantic Giant pumpkin grown by Sean McAndrew of Grahamsville won the top prize of $250 in the Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest that was part of the 34th Annual Daniel Pierce Library's Giant Pumpkin Party and Children's Parade held last Saturday at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds.

McAndrew noted that he grew the giant pumpkin in his backyard garden and that the seeds for this pumpkin were purchased from Ron Wallace of Wallace Organic Wonders on Long Island. Ron is the two-time national champion growing pumpkins for national competition.

McAndrew noted that weather was a factor in the growth of the pumpkin this year and that he spent an hour a day weeding and taking care of the ground surrounding his pumpkins.

The fun-filled day started out with cold temperatures and frost on the ground but a sunny day warmed things up with the large children's parade comprised of floats, Neversink and Grahamsville fire departments, local scout troops, horses, antique cars, the Tri-Valley Central School teachers and board of education and the school band conducted by Matt Weyant. The parade entered the fairgrounds at approximately 9:20 a.m.

The sunny weather saw a good size crowd throughout the day enjoying food and drink along with live music, children's games, craft activities, handmade crafts, a raffle featuring more than forty prizes. pony rides, pumpkin decorating contest, country bake contest, obstacle course and Hay Bale throw contest.

A collection of gently used books, the best of the best donated to the library over the course of the year was part of the Giant Pumpkin Party book sale

This traditional fall festival always places the focus on the children and their love for reading books. The children's costume parade (open to all children) started the day's activities on the library lawn. All theme parade floats were entered to win cash prizes.

Master of Ceremonies was Neversink resident Bob Eddings who always does an outstanding job. Manning the information booth was Library Director Jessica Dymond.

This year's parade theme was “A Universe Of Stories.”

All funds raised at this event will be used to benefit the Daniel Pierce Library Children's Program Room and to purchase needed books for all age groups.

Results

Giant Pumpkin Contest

1st Place - Sean McAndrew with a pumpkin weighing 1,018 pounds

Theme Float Contest

1st Prize - The Lake Family

Scarecrow Contest

Grand Prize - Lori Brown

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Grand Prize - Connor Casey

Bake Contest

1st Place - Cake/Cupcake - Patricia Towne

1st Place - Pie/Pastry - Dianna Marty

1st Place - Bread Muffin - Joan Conjura

1st Place - Seth Tremper