Raising Cane’s Founder Sets World Record With 3,156-Pound Jack-o’-Lantern

The record-breaking pumpkin was cultivated by Ron Wallace in Rhode Island over 123 days. It first made history at the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, becoming the first fruit to exceed the 3,000-pound threshold. To transform the gargantuan specimen into a jack-o’-lantern, Graves enlisted professional carvers Eric Jones, Monique Hawk, and William Wilson. The final design featured intricate carvings of witches, skeletons, and a bat cave, utilizing natural elements like beet juice for detailing.

Graves, who has pursued giant pumpkin displays for seven years, chose Salem for the unveiling to share the spectacle with the city’s massive seasonal crowds. The event, attended by local officials and stars from the Disney Channel film Halloweentown, included a formal proclamation by Mayor Dominick Pangallo declaring October 27 as Great Pumpkin Day. Beyond the record, Graves noted the project serves as an inspiration for children, highlighting the dedication required to achieve ambitious goals, whether in culinary arts or horticulture. Following the holiday, the remains of the display are slated to be used as feed for pigs.