Who says it takes years of preparation and planning to break a world record recognized by Guiness? Jay Hathaway, the lively director of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, organized just such an event in less than four weeks, and if his ambitious visions for the future becomes a reality, Vermont will soon be known as the “Pumpkin Capital” of the world. It all started in early October of 2006. Bob Stannard, the executive director of the Better Bennington Corporation, called his old friend Hathaway trying to enlist his help in Bennington’s attempt to break the world record for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time. This in itself was a very lofty vision, especially when you consider that nearby Keene, NH held the world record for many years, with over 28,000 jack-o-lanterns.

Initially, Hathaway thought he would make some calls and see what he could do. Then, lightening struck. Perhaps there was a way that Manchester could benefit from this as well, while still helping Bennington.

The Manchester festivities started with the carving of a 450 pound giant pumpkin. A short time later, 118 excited participants plunged their knives into their own specimens simultaneously, and a new world record was soon set. If things go as predicted, this year’s event should shatter that mark. Photo: Courtesy Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

The idea was relatively simple. Manchester would make its own attempt at a world record by gathering the most people ever to carve jack-o-lanterns at the same time, after which, the carved pumpkins could be trucked down to Bennington.

It should be noted that Hathaway was no stranger to world records, having participated previously in one out in Palo Alto, California for the most accordionists gathered in one place at on time playing “Lady of Spain.” He quickly contacted Guiness, to learn what he had to do to get the pumpkin carving event qualified.

After explaining his idea, Guiness officials warned him that most categories are not accepted, and that the process took several weeks. When Hathaway explained he only had 20 some-odd days, he learned there was a way to fast track the process for about $500.

“Most normal people would have probably given up, but I figured it was a good learning experience for me and that possibly in the future I could reapply for something else,” said Hathaway.

Miraculously, four days later Manchester was granted the category. Much to the chagrin of Hathaway however, it came with some restrictions.

Setting The Record

Most of the criteria established by Guiness were relatively straight forward. All the pumpkins had to be carved simultaneously, all had to have a traditional pumpkin face, there had to be at least 100 pumpkins, etc…then came the sticky part. All pumpkins had to weigh at least 24 pounds.

For those not familiar with pumpkin weights, 24 pounds is a pretty big pumpkin. To make matters more difficult, “If you remember last year was a wet year,” said Hathaway, “It was a bad year for pumpkin growers.”

Still, this did not discourage Hathaway. He quickly found himself negotiating with pumpkin sellers across the state. Several thousand dollars were spent securing the pumpkins, while many others were donated. Walter and Margaret Gladstone, in Fairlee, donated 10,000 pounds and Equinox Valley Nursery lent Hathaway a dump truck to pick them up in. “It was really special, driving back with a huge mound of pumpkins piled in the back of the truck,” recalls Hathaway, “Everybody who saw them smiled.”

Despite torrential downpours, at 2:00 p.m. on October 28th, 118 people plunged their knives into 24-pound or larger pumpkins. A new world record was established, after which the pumpkins were loaded into various vehicles and shipped via police escort down to Bennington.

While a new world record was also set for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place at one time, it was Boston, not Bennington (who’s efforts were severely hindered by the weather) who shattered Keene’s previous record, with more than 30,000 carved specimens.

Whats Next?

All involved deemed the pumpkin carving a smashing success. Orvis, who co-sponsored the event and hosted it at their flagship store, realized tremendous fringe benefits, as did other retailers throughout the area. Even the politicians got involved, and made a House Resolution declaring October 13th (the first Saturday after Columbus Day) the statewide pumpkin carving day.

This year, Hathaway also suspects that with much more organization and publicity, the Manchester event should easily be able to break their own world record. To help in this endeavor, over 1000 pumpkin seeds were donated and planted in a field owned and maintained by Equinox Valley Nursery. Other sponsors are chomping at the bit to get involved, and a website has been posted (www.vermontpumpkin.com).

Ultimately, Hathway is urging all Vermont towns and communities to create their own mini-fests celebrating pumpkins and the harvest. Eventually, he hopes that these events will become an economic driver for the state of Vermont.

“I want us to be known as the pumpkin state,” he said, “And I think it can be done.”

Christopher Clark is a frequent contributor to Livin’ Magazine. He has a special fascination with vegetable competitions.