(PHOTO) Giant buffaloes have taken over the Moorish grove: The scale showed a weight of 500 kilograms, but the record remained unbroken

Janko Lovše from Velika Ševnica near Trebnje has been crowned the new Slovenian champion for the heaviest pumpkin at a competition held in Mozirski Gaj. His pumpkin weighed 505 kilograms, setting a new record for this year's event. The competition took place on September 19, 2026, and featured ten pumpkins entered by growers from across Slovenia. The event was organized by Mozirski Gaj in collaboration with the local association Bučmani from Oplotnica. Lovše, already a well-known grower among Slovenian giant pumpkin cultivators, claimed his second victory after previously winning in earlier years. Second place went to Uroš Fifolt from Korita vas near Novo mesto, whose pumpkin weighed 426 kilograms, while third place was awarded to Domen Zorko from Površje near Rake, whose pumpkin weighed 353 kilograms. Despite the dry summer, which likely affected some growers, the competition still produced impressive results. However, the overall weight of the pumpkins did not surpass previous records set in past years. The current national record for the heaviest pumpkin remains with Janko Lovše, who grew an 842-kilogram pumpkin in 2023. Last year’s heaviest pumpkin at the event weighed 679 kilograms, grown by Primož Kotnik near Zreč. In addition to the heaviest pumpkin category, the competition also measured the longest pumpkin. Erik Rink Perme from Veliki Vrh near Litija won this category with a pumpkin measuring 297 centimeters in length, just slightly shorter than the national record of 305 centimeters he set in 2024. Second place in this category went to Tine Jehart from Šmartno near Slovenj Gradec, whose pumpkin measured 209 centimeters. The competition also included a category for the heaviest squash. Uroš Fifolt won this with a squash weighing 46 kilograms. Additionally, the judges selected the most beautiful pumpkin, which was awarded to Domink Trstenjak from Ljutomer. The pumpkin weighing event marked the beginning of an autumn exhibition featuring giant pumpkins and fall flowers in Mozirski Gaj. Although temperatures were still more summery than typical for this time of year, the park had already begun to take on its characteristic autumn colors. Among the trees, flowers, and giant pumpkins, the start of autumn in the park appeared somewhat different from usual. The competition attracted visitors who came to admire the giant pumpkins, often taking photos with them. According to Maja Horvat from Mozirski Gaj, the giant pumpkins have become one of the most recognizable autumn attractions in the park. Families with children especially enjoy the opportunity to climb onto and sit on the massive pumpkins, adding to their appeal beyond mere curiosity about the scale of the pumpkins. Mozirski Gaj's pumpkin competition is part of the international The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth organization, connecting pumpkin growers around the world. The event serves as an official competition within this global network, attracting attention from growers outside Slovenia as well.