Labour MP takes up pumpkin challenge

Labour MP Jamie Strange will be growing a pumpkin to take on mayor Andrew King at this year's Pumpkin carnival. Photo / Tom Rowland

The Great Pumpkin Carnival is still four months away, but local celebrities are already planting their pumpkins in hope of taking out first place at the carnival.

Mayor Andrew King and Labour MP Jamie Strange have joined the competition this year to challenge long-time competitor National MP for Hamilton East David Bennett.

Jenny Rowden, creator of the pumpkin carnival, said the event has something for everyone.

"From the big boy serious growers, to the creations made by the kids, to the quirky activities like the down-hill roll and the pumpkins on wheels racing down our race track," Ms Rowden said.

"I have a history with the carnival in that I single-handedly started it and now have seen it through to where it is a recognised event on Hamilton's calendar and which is now an Incorporated Society run by a committee of enthusiasts."

The Great Pumpkin Carnival is a family event which is currently in its ninth year. It is held on April 8 at Hamilton Gardens and is the only Pumpkin Carnival in New Zealand registered with the Pumpkin Commonwealth in the USA.

The carnival currently holds the Australasian record with Tim Harris of Morrinsville's 789.5kg whopper.

People are encourage to grow and decorate their own pumpkins to challenge other schools, families and celebrities. Plants are free to schools and retirement villages.

"Go for it and have some fun. If for any reason you do not produce a pumpkin giant or miniature, there are tons of other categories to enter - pumpkin cooking, pumpkin racers on wheels, pumpkin carving and pumpkin creations - none of which require you to have grown the pumpkin."

Jamie Strange is looking forward to his first year with the pumpkin carnival.

"I thought it would be good fun and I am a competitive person," Mr Strange said.

"I'll be doing my best to grow the biggest pumpkin I can. It is good to have an event that can bring a community together and this is one of those.

"I'm looking forward to taking my kids along and my kids might even grow one as well, there one might be bigger than mine."