September 3, 2009
Two New World Records Set at Fair
82.9-pound rutabaga and 125.9-pound cabbage crush previous world records
The excitement was giant at the Alaska State Fair last night, as two local farmers set two new world records. Scott Robb of Palmer set a new world record with his 82.9-pound rutabaga – breaking his previous world record of 79 pounds – and Steve Hubacek from Wasilla brought in a 125.9-pound cabbage, breaking the previous record that had been held for the past 20 years.
The previous world record of 124 pounds was set in Wales, United Kingdom, in 1989. Prior to that, the cabbage record had stood for 124 years.
“So in the past 144 years, the cabbage record has only changed hands twice,” said Kathy Liska, superintendent for giant vegetables at the Fair. “It’s great for the Fair. The Fair has been based around the giant cabbage contest for many years, but our Fair has never had a world-record cabbage. Now, we just broke a record held for 20 years.”
The world record might be up for grabs again tomorrow, as even larger cabbage entries are expected at tomorrow’s 14th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, which will be held at 6 p.m. in Farm Exhibits at the fairgrounds.
The new records will not be official until they are verified and approved by Guinness Book of World Records. The Fair is currently working to collect and submit the necessary paperwork to verify the new records.
According to the Fair Web site, a total of nine world records have been set at the Fair since 1993. Prior to last night, the most recent record was the 105.9-pound kale from Scott Robb in 2007. The full list of records may be viewed at 2009 Large Vegetable List
“That’s a huge statement about our Fair and the area we come from. Our crops are world-renowned,” Liska said.
In addition to the world records, two new state records were also set last night by Ron Castor of Palmer, who brought in a 28-pound brussels sprout and a 22.190-pound white radish.
Other noteworthy giants entered last night included a 594-pound pumpkin from Dale Marshall of Anchorage; a 146.5-pound watermelon from Scott Robb; and a 17.855-pound giant puffball mushroom from Pia Cottini of Palmer.
“It was a great day yesterday. The giants display is wonderful and there is lots of excitement,” Liska said.
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact the Fair media center at mediacenter@alaskastatefair.org or 907-746-3091.
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