Anoka County man tries to break his own world record for largest pumpkin

Pumpkin growing champ hopes for a repeat

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(KSTP) — An Anoka County farmer is hoping to break his own world record for largest pumpkin.

Last year, Travis Gienger of Nowthen won a competition in California with a pumpkin weighing more than 2,700 pounds.

Now Gienger hopes a pumpkin he named Rudy after the movie will set a new world record this year.

“I had some problems early on where I cracked the vine and one didn’t set, and I’m like, ‘We’re going to need a come from behind story,’ so to speak, so the name Rudy came to my mind,” Gienger said.

The Half Moon Bay World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off will take place on Oct. 14 in California. We’ll let you know how Gienger does in the competition.