Colorado Firefighter Breaks State Record By Growing a Nearly 2,000-Pound Pumpkin

Firefighter by day, record-breaking pumpkin farmer by night.

Brad Bledsoe, a firefighter in Aurora, recently set a state record for his 1,955-pound pumpkin, which he grew in his backyard. After doing this for four years, Bledsoe finally grew his largest pumpkin, breaking the state record.

At the annual Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Irvine Park Railroad in California, Bledsoe competed against 30 other gourds and came out on top. A pumpkin from Orange County came in second place at 1,479 pounds.

Bledsoe is growing two other pumpkins, which he will weigh sometime in October. He estimates these pumpkins will also be larger than the old state record.

Bledsoe said he plans to display the current state record-holding pumpkin at Bartells Pumpkin Patch in Fort Collins.

Can you imagine carving one of these giant pumpkins?

Kristina Shriver

Director of Our Community Now. When not writing or reading, Kristina likes to dance like no one is watching and enjoys speaking in vague movie references/quotes, which only a select few in her circle truly understand. A huge nerd, she loves attending comic book conventions (in costume, of course!) and engaging in geek-fueled conversations with anyone who is willing to listen to her ramble. She also dedicates her spare time to supporting various mental health organizations.