The great pumpkin

Mrs. Media Nation and I made our annual pilgrimage to the Topsfield Fair last night. Both of us were struggling with hacking coughs, but we stayed long enough for our traditional meal served by the Second Congregational Church of Topsfield, and for a look at the art exhibit, the poultry show and, of course, the giant pumpkin.

This year’s winner, at 1,464 pounds, was grown by Wes Dwelly, according to the Salem News, which has posted a video that shows the weighing of the gourds. That’s not close to the record. But it’s big.