A high school math teacher has won top honors in a pumpkin-growing contest with a 1,725-pound behemoth that could land worldwide bragging rights.
Christy Harp of Jackson Township, Ohio, took first place at the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers annual weigh-off Saturday in Canfield. She won $2,500 and could claim the world title.
Contest organizers say the entry topped the Guinness-record 1,689-pound pumpkin grown in 2007 by Joe Jutras of North Scituate, R. I.
Harp and her husband, Nick, grow the giant gourds on their family farm. Each year they engage in a private friendly competition.
"Last year he beat me by 200 pounds. This year I beat him by 400 pounds," she said. "Very good year! My pumpkin, my side of the patch! We separate the patch and never step foot on the other side!"