DEWITT — He has grown some big pumpkins before, but a rural DeWitt man has moved into state record territory with his effort this year.

Henry Bartimus grew a 1,673-pound giant over the summer, which qualifies as the fifth largest pumpkin ever grown in Illinois.

The 2020 Illinois Giant Pumpkin winner will be on display at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, Beason, on Sunday, October 11, from noon -4 p.m. 

Atlantic Giant is the pumpkin variety and it grew for 105 days. It can gain over 40 pounds in a day. 

Henry’s pumpkin needed 100 gallons of water each day and covered a garden that was 27-feet by 27-feet.

More information about giant pumpkins is available at Illinois Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Association or www.igpga.com or facebook page.