Connecticut Grower Breaks Topsfield Fair Giant Pumpkin Record

The 41st annual All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Topsfield Fair just shattered expectations. Connecticut’s own Alex Noel of Abington brought in a pumpkin that tipped the scales at an unbelievable 2,507 pounds.

Noel’s pumpkin became the heaviest ever at the event. He’s now solidified his place among New England’s top giant pumpkin growers.

Find Your Ideal Getaway in Connecticut
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now

The win felt extra special for Noel. He celebrated with photos of his wife and their newborn daughter, which made the moment feel even more personal.

Breaking Records at the Topsfield Fair

The Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts remains a staple autumn tradition. Every year, it draws both participants and visitors from all over the Northeast—Connecticut towns like Norwich, Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury, and Waterbury are always well represented.

The All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off gets fierce. This year, the record-breaking weigh-in grabbed everyone’s attention and then some.

Alex Noel’s Journey to the Top

Noel, a seasoned grower from Abington, Connecticut, has a knack for pushing pumpkin boundaries. He’s grown several gourds weighing over a ton.

Back in 2019, he set a Connecticut State Record with a 2,294.5-pound pumpkin. That one also snagged him a win at the Topsfield Fair that year.

The road hasn’t always been smooth. In 2024, Noel landed in second place with a 1,921-pound pumpkin, edged out by Steve Connolly of Sharon—a four-time champ—whose pumpkin weighed in at 2,211 pounds.

Noel’s recent win marks a proud return to the top spot. It’s a comeback story, really.

The Winning Moment

When the scale flashed 2,507 pounds, Noel’s win became official. Organizers quickly posted the news on the Topsfield Fair’s Facebook page and gave him a well-deserved shoutout.

But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Noel marked the occasion by holding up photos of his wife Liz Sangree and their newborn daughter, Nova, and the crowd loved it.

A Family-Fueled Victory

Seeing Noel next to his record pumpkin, holding family photos, really said it all. Growing a giant pumpkin takes months of work—some say it’s almost like raising a kid, nurturing it from seed to monster gourd.

Noel’s celebration felt like a tribute to both his win and his family. You could sense how much it meant to him.

Why Connecticut Dominates Pumpkin Growing

Connecticut’s carved out a reputation for growing monster pumpkins. Towns like Mystic, Middletown, and Torrington keep sending contenders to regional events.

So, what’s their secret? A few things come to mind:

Lots of rich, fertile soil in many parts of the state
Growers who keep honing their techniques, year after year
Support from local agricultural clubs and fairs
Plenty of friendly competition between towns

New England’s Pumpkin Rivalries

Connecticut’s not alone in chasing records. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire all have growers who bring serious heat.

These rivalries keep raising the bar. They draw bigger crowds to places like the Topsfield Fair and make every weigh-off more exciting.

Looking Ahead to Future Competitions

Noel’s achievement just set the bar sky-high for future weigh-offs. Pumpkin growers across Connecticut—in Hartford, Stamford, Norwich, and beyond—are probably already thinking about their next shot.

It’ll take science, patience, and maybe a little luck to beat that new record. Who knows? Maybe next year, someone will surprise us all over again.

Celebrating Community and Agriculture

Events like the Topsfield Fair do more than just spotlight agricultural excellence. They bring people together across New England in ways that feel both old-fashioned and fresh.

Maybe you’re a competitive grower in Danbury. Or maybe you’re just a casual fairgoer from Waterbury, or someone who’s been in Abington forever—either way, Noel’s victory feels like a nod to the pride and grit that come from working the land.

The 2024 weigh-off wasn’t just about the size of Noel’s pumpkin. It was also about the genuine family moment he shared on stage, which honestly stuck with a lot of folks.

Connecticut scored a win that mixed agricultural achievement with a bit of personal triumph. Stories like this? They tend to stick around and nudge future growers to dream bigger.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut man sets new pumpkin record at Topsfield Fair

Discover Your Perfect Stay in Connecticut
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now