Will the Biggest Pumpkin Title Stay in RI?

Rhode Island claims bragging rights to many distinctions, and recently it's become home to the holder of two giant pumpkin records: Ron Wallace of Coventry holds the world record [confirmed in Massachusetts] and the second-highest weight, set at last year's Giant Pumpkin contest in Warren.

The 20th iteration of the yearly contest returns to Frerichs Farm and Greenhouses in Warren on Oct. 12, with the weigh-in scheduled to start at noon.

Growers and their giant gourds are expected to start arriving at 9:30 a.m.

Sponsored by the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and the state Department of Environmental Management, this year's event also includes corn and hay bale mazes, a "pumpkin coach," pumpkin-painting booths for kids, arts and crafts booths, and the highly-anticipated pumpkin drop.

Parking fee is $5. Rain date Oct. 13. In case of rain or for more information, call Frerichs Farm at (401) 245-8245.

Directions to the Giant Pumpkin contest:

From I-195 East, take Rte. 136 [Exit 2 in Massachusetts]. Follow Route 136 South across Route 6 for two miles to Schoolhouse Road on the left. Take Schoolhouse Road for one mile to Kinnicutt Avenue (right at the fork) and proceed to Frerichs Farm on the right.