Tumut is hoping to become the giant pumpkin capital of Australia
Chris Kobier is determined to grow a pumpkin big enough to row down the Tumut River. (Supplied)
When Mark Peacock grew a Royal Easter Show-winning 407-kilogram pumpkin in 2024, he inspired his community in the NSW Snowy Mountains town of Tumut to take their gardening to a whole new level.
"We [thought we] should make this the giant pumpkin capital of Australia," Tumut Show secretary Margaret Hillier said.
"So that's what we're working on."
The show, which has been running for 151 years, has now created a new category in its produce section.
Crowds gather for the pumpkin weigh-in at the Tumut Show. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully)
The giant pumpkin weigh-in saw 40 people plant a seed last year, aiming to grow an enormous vegetable.
While growing conditions have been less than ideal, Ms Hillier said the dreams of growers in Tumut would not be squashed.
"So far we're failing dismally, but we'll give it another go every year,"she said.
Margaret Hillier holding the giant pumpkin weigh-in trophy. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully )
Chris Kobier took the challenge seriously.
His goal was to grow a pumpkin big enough to paddle down the Tumut River, just like Mr Peacock did.
"You can't have the instigator winning all the time, I need to try and put up some healthy competition," Mr Kobier said.
Chris Kobier said he won't stop trying to grow a pumpkin big enough to turn into a boat. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully )
A bad season
A horticultural scientist by trade, the reigning giant pumpkin champion is happy to help his competitors, offering support and even seeds from his previous prized pumpkins.
Mark Peacock is delighted the community has embraced his quirky hobby of growing giant pumpkins. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully )
But a summer frost, followed by a heatwave, combined with high winds and scarce rainfall, meant most pumpkins will weigh less than 150kg.
"There's a million and one things that can go wrong, and this year, they did,"Mr Peacock said.
Community members have made pumpkin sculptures to compliment the giant pumpkin category. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully )
But regardless of their actual weight, the giant vegetables are a source of public fascination.
"I have not come across someone that doesn't have a bit of a smirk or a smile when they see a giant pumpkin roll into the show or roll down the river for that matter," Mr Peacock said.
Snowy Valleys Mayor Julia Ham said growing giant pumpkins had brought the Tumut community together.
"It's a strange hobby, but there's a science to it — it does strengthen a community," she said.
Two men, a big pumpkin and an idea to maximise fun have sparked a small cultural phenomenon. (Supplied: Grant Hardwick)
"It also shows the competitive spirit of the community that yes, one person has done it, and they can do it better."
Councillor Ham said she would love Tumut to become known as the giant pumpkin capital.
"I'm beginning to think, where can we get the funding for a giant fibreglass pumpkin when you come into town?"she said.
Mark Peacock said the Tumut community has embraced giant pumpkins, including this chalk painting on one of the footpaths in town. (Supplied: Mark Peacock)
Mr Kobier will enter this year’s competition with his "disappointing" 80kg gourd.
"We've moved to town about six years ago, so it's nice to have something to make us feel a little bit part of the community," he said.
"It gets you out and about, [and] a little bit of skin in the game and wanting to see the show succeed."
But he is no stranger to heartbreak in the veggie garden.
Chris Kobier has learned some lessons when it comes to growing massive vegetables. (ABC Riverina: Jess Scully )
Last year, a soft spot developed across his pumpkin a week before the show, causing it to crumble.
He said it would have weighed about 350kg.
"It was quite the emotional journey … watching it slowly crumble, hoping that it'll hold out long enough for the show, but it wasn't quite the case," he said.
And while Mr Kobier is '"not the biggest fan" when it comes to eating pumpkin, he's still determined to grow a giant one.
"Oh, I still want to paddle a pumpkin"he said.