Drought Dries Up Hopes Of Record Pumpkin

by Phil McIlrath, KDLT News
October 11, 2012 9:02 AM


For the past few years, Kevin Marsh has put the town of Parker on the map with his larger than life pumpkins, most growing over 1,500 pounds. But this year, like almost everyone else, the summer drought has dried up his chances of attaining a new record.

"It was the most challenging season I've ever had, said Pumpkin Grower, Kevin Marsh.

If you walk into Kevin Marsh's pumpkin patch...any hopes of a successful season have been crushed.

"The heat, there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it,"said Marsh.

This summer's drought combined with the high heat and low humidity created a one-two punch keeping his usually giant pumpkins more petite. The only thing that grew faster than normal was Kevin's water bill.

"One month, don't tell my wife, I used 76,000 gallons,"said Marsh. "After that month I kind of backed off a little bit."

Every year Kevin goes to two or three weigh-offs. Last weekend in Harrisburg, he came away with a few wins, but nothing like in the past.

"It makes you wonder why you do all this work,"said Marsh. "But it doesn't matter how big they are you take them to weigh-offs and the kids they're smiling and everybody loves them."

And even though this year's season has come to an end...Kevin is already thinking to spring.

"I'm glad its over so I can start over again next year!"

p_mcilrath@kdlt.com
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