{
  "id": 12196679,
  "title": "Giant pumpkin squashes competition, sets new record at Manitoba fair",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/giant-pumpkin-squashes-competition-sets-new-record-at-manitoba-fair",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T17:20:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12088020/giant-pumpkin-squashes-competition-manitoba/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A massive pumpkin weighing over 1,700 pounds set a new record at the Roland Pumpkin Fair in Manitoba this Saturday. The champion pumpkin, grown by Cornie Banman, outperformed 20 other entries, securing the title and a prize of $1,500. His wife, Helen Banman, won silver with her 1,546-pound pumpkin. The record-breaking pumpkin was transported to the fair using a sling and a Bobcat, which helped lift it onto a pallet and then to a trailer. Banman began planting the pumpkin in his garage in April, but it was moved outdoors after the rain and excessive spring moisture. Despite initial setbacks, the plant thrived and grew rapidly, with a daily increase of 40 to 50 pounds at times. Banman estimated that the pumpkin's growth accelerated once the water situation improved. The record-setting fruit will be displayed at a grocery store in Winkler, about 20 kilometers north of Roland, where it was grown. The remaining pumpkins were donated to a charity event featuring giant jack-o'-lanterns to raise funds for cancer research.",
  "summary": "A more than 1,700 lbs. giant pumpkin was the heaviest of the bunch at the Roland Pumpkin Fair in Manitoba last weekend. It is the province's largest recorded grown pumpkin.",
  "key_points": [
    "1,700-pound pumpkin breaks Roland Pumpkin Fair record",
    "Cornie Banman grows champion pumpkin, wins $1,500 prize",
    "Helen Banman takes silver with 1,546-pound pumpkin"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Giant pumpkin squashes competition, sets new record at Manitoba fair",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/giant-pumpkin-squashes-competition-sets-new-record-at-manitoba-fair-12198950",
        "published": "2026-10-05T17:20:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}