Another successful Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival

The Skagit Valley Pumpkin Festival Sept. 17 was a success for both host Christianson's Nursery and farmers across the state.

From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. visitors attending enjoyed family-friendly carnival games, face painting and tractor rides while the adults enjoyed a Farmstrong Brewing beer garden.

Pumpkin festival entries competed to finish among the top ten for the heaviest pumpkins. Two bonus awards included the "Howard Dill Prettiest Pumpkin" and the "Ugliest Pumpkin." Winners received cash prizes ranging from $25 to $1,500.

There were 11 entries and each pumpkin had to be carried to the scale by a forklift. The heaviest pumpkin weighed in at 1,614 pounds and was grown in Sumner, Washington by master pumpkin grower Joel Holland. Christianson's social media reports that Holland has taken first place at the festival several times.

A fan favorite was Cindy Tobeck's pumpkin, which took third place at 1,277.5 pounds She came from Olympia. Many families crowded around the orange gourd and took pictures of their children climbing all over it.

The pumpkins are available to view through next week.