2023 pound pumpkin wins 2023 Alaska State Fair weigh-off

PALMER — Anchorage grower Dale Marshall won the 2023 Alaska State Fair's Great Pumpkin weigh-off with a 2,023.5 pound pumpkin Monday, Aug. 28.

"2023- it took a lot of work," Marshall said. "I'm really happy with the way things came out."

The late start, constant rain, and generally lower temperatures made 2023 summer conditions less than favorable for Alaskan growers across the state.

"This year was a challenging year," Marshall said.

Marshall said that he was running heaters and fans throughout the summer to keep up with the weather. He said that winning $1,000 from first place helps offset some of the costs. All in all, he said the effort is worth it.

“It's a lot of fun," Marshall said. “When things are healthy and going good, it's a blast.”

It's a lot of work every day for a lot of months. You don't go on a two week vacation in the middle of the growing season and expect good results,"

Marshall's first ASF pumpkin contest entry was in 2008 with a pumpkin not even half the size of what he produces today.

"We worked our way up from there," Marshall said.

Marshall currently holds the record for the largest pumpkin submitted to the Fair. The record is 2147 pounds and it was set during last year's competition. He said that he was thrilled to weigh in over 2,000 pounds two years in a row. He's broken his own records numerous times in the past and aims to continue outgrowing himself.

"Now the goal is 2,500," Marshall said with a laugh.

A large crowd formed to watch this year's competition.

Marshall appreciates the fact that more people are interested in this competition and trying to grow their own gigantic crops.

"It was nice to see more and more growers,"

Keith Malone entered a 620.5 pound pumpkin for his first attempt in the annual weigh off.

"It felt good," Malone said.

Malone said lives in Chugiak but he grows his pumpkins and other crops in Palmer. He said that he plans to enter the contest again next year.

"Who can feel bad about a big pumpkin? Malone said with a laugh. “That's the best part of growing vegetables is watching them grow.”

There was a total of six pumpkins entered this year. There was even a giant green squash. According to ASF superintendent Kathy Liska, this was a record setting year for overall participation.

"After this growing year are you kidding me? I feel great about this. I couldn't be more pleased," Liska said.

In addition to the giant pumpkins and cabbages entered this year, there’s a high volume of general crop entries in spite of this season’s weather. Liska marveled at the sheet determination of Alaskan growers.

“The growers didn't disappoint. They were steadfast in dealing with what this season has done to all of us," Liska said.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com