Tennessee’s Heaviest Pumpkin Ranks 44th Worldwide

Issue #257

31 Oct

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧 Columbia Weather - Scattered showers with a high of 78

🎃 Tennessee’s Heaviest Pumpkin Ranks 44th Worldwide

📰 TDOT Responds to Offensive Road Sign Incident on I-65 

📌 November Sewing Classes w/ The Homestead Porch

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🎃 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

🎃 Thursday, October 31st 🎃

Friday, November 1st

Saturday, November 2nd

More events coming soon!

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

Tennessee’s Heaviest Pumpkin Ranks 44th Worldwide

Credit: Allardt Pumpkin Festival

The Indiana Pumpkin Growers’ Association (IPGA) tracks and compares the top pumpkins worldwide, listing the top 10 heaviest pumpkins from various states, provinces, and countries to establish each place’s average weight. Among the 69 locations tracked, Tennessee ranks 44th, nestled between Slovenia and New Brunswick, Canada, with impressive yet smaller pumpkins compared to global leaders.

Most of Tennessee’s heaviest pumpkins—eight out of the top 10—are attributed to one farmer from Oneida, Jason Terry. He currently holds the state record with a colossal pumpkin weighing 1,846.6 pounds, showcased at the 2023 Allardt Pumpkin Festival. This record pumpkin even boasts a unique “family tree,” tracing its lineage among other giants.

The average weight of Tennessee’s top 10 pumpkins comes in at 1,562.75 pounds, which is notable but still behind other heavyweights around the world. Leading the global rankings, the United Kingdom averages an impressive 2,415.9 pounds for its top pumpkins. Meanwhile, Arkansas ranks last with an average weight of 299.37 pounds for its top entries.

TDOT Responds to Offensive Road Sign Incident on I-65

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced it is taking action against a contractor after a vulgar message appeared on an electronic sign along Interstate 65 North between Spring Hill and Franklin this week.

The message, which read “SLOW WORKER AHEAD YALL ******,” was displayed on a sign attached to one of the contractor's trucks. TDOT issued a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that they are holding the contractor accountable for the inappropriate display.

“This is unacceptable and does not align with our TDOT values. We take safety and public trust seriously. As soon as we were made aware, action was taken.  This truck and signage were operated by a contractor controlled at the site level. These are not TDOT employees. However, we expect our contractors to conduct their work consistent with our values and will hold them accountable for doing so.”

November Sewing Classes w/ The Homestead Porch

The Homestead Porch is offering beginner and intermediate sewing classes on Saturday, November 16th.

Beginner Sewing
10-12 PM
Aromatherapy Pillow

Learn about sewing terms and tools, and practice basic stitching. Pillows have an inner lining filled with rice, grains, cinnamon and cloves, plus a washable cover.

Intermediate Sewing
1-3 PM
Cotton Canvas Utility Apron

For those that know how to use their machine, can sew basic seams, and want to learn some pattern making skills. 

Classes are taught in Spring Hill in a small class home environment. Open to pre-teens - adults. 

Scan the code above or visit here to sign up. Registration closes November 13th! 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 31st

Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM

Friday, November 1st

Cherish McKellar, Farmstead Market & Cellar, 6-8 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Classic Vinyl, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Brother Maven, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, November 2nd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Jimmy Fortune, Homestead Hall at Hardison Mill, 7 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Willie Vanhook & Cliff Waddell, The Rebel, 7:30 PM
Troy Kemp, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, November 3rd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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