The Iowa record for a big pumpkin was broken several years in a row in the pumpkin capital of Iowa, Anamosa. In 2008, Anamosa received national recognition by weighing in the second largest pumpkin in the world at 1662 pounds from Don Young from Des Moines.

The Anamosa Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Pumpkinfest again this year on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 in downtown Anamosa. The Norlin family will hosts the 20th Annual Ryan Norlin Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 4 in search for a world record again this year in the Lawrence Community Center. Growers from all over the Midwest and as far away as Colorado and Michigan compete for $6,750 in prizes.

On Saturday, October 4, Downtown Main Street in Anamosa will be closed to showcase almost 100 Food and Craft Vendors. Pumpkinfest activities include a Pumpkin Carving Exhibitions, Pumpkin Recipe Contest, Car Smash, Kids Games and Rides, Parade, Scarecrow Contest, Golf Tournament, Bowling Tournament, Beer Garden, Live Music and 5K Run. The annual Chili Cook-Off benefits The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organization again this year. Live entertainment is planned at 5PM in Chamber Park.

Sunday’s events include the annual Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast (regular pancakes are also available), Kiddie Tractor Pull, Punt, Pass and Throw and Golf Tournament. Again this year is thepopular launching of pumpkins with the Pumpkin Trebuchet. Sorry, the big pumpkins will not be on display on Sunday.