Heaviest pumpkin dons carved costume in Salem to turn into heftiest jack o’lantern ever

Published 30 October 2026

The heaviest pumpkin ever grown has adopted a spooky new appearance in honour of Halloween, after three record-breaking carvers flew into Salem, Massachusetts, USA to perform some witchcraft and turn it into the heaviest jack o’lantern of all time.

The heaviest jack o lantern lit up at night on a pedestal

Created out of the ginormous gourd that took the all-time title at the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off earlier this month, the 3,156 lb (1,431.5 kg) pumpkin was grown by legendary “Big Veg” gardener Ron Wallace (USA).

It was then obtained by Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves (USA), and the colossal champion was brought to Salem this week to take the stage at the town’s 400th anniversary celebrations.

Known for their 1692 witch trials, the community is famous for their sinister history and Haunted Happenings Halloween festival – and in the spooky spirit of the holiday, the pumpkin got a serious makeover.

A man inside the pumpkin carving it from the inside

Featuring flying bats, a knobbly-nosed witch, and a giant spooked skeleton, the jack o’lantern was additionally adorned with crinkle-cut fries and a bubbling cauldron of Cane's Sauce in a nod to Raising Cane's.

Its frightful decorations were created by Todd and his daughter Sophia, as well as professional carvers Eric Jones, Monique Hawk, and William Wilson. With additional insight provided by current jack o’lantern GWR title holder Travis Gienger, the group made use of every part of the pumpkin – turning scraps into 3D attachments that flew around the edge of the gourd.

And after 32 hours of carving, Guinness World Records Adjudicator Michael Empric was able to confirm that the jack o’lantern maintained the original weight of 3,156 lb (1,431.5 kg), officially allowing Todd Graves to take the spook-tacular title.

Two men holding GWR certs next to the carved pumpkin

He overtook Travis’ 2023 title for the heaviest jack o’lantern – nicknamed “Michael Jordan” – at 2,749 lb (1,246.9 kg), surpassing the record with a pumpkin as heavy as a compact car.

The pumpkin lit up at night

“This was absolutely one of the more impressive GWR titles I’ve seen broken,” said Michael.

“I’m excited that everyone visiting Salem will have the chance to see the incredible jack o'lantern over the next several days…” he added, also jokingly saying: “I’ve already told Ron I expect to hear from him again soon with an even larger pumpkin!”

Organizers holding certificates next to the carved pumpkin

Though Ron and Travis already have an extensive “Big Veg” history with Guinness World Records, this was the first title taken by Todd Graves – who is a huge Halloween-lover.

A man carving the pumpkin at night

Todd rose to fame as owner and founder of Raising Cane's – the multibillion dollar restaurant chain known for their chicken fingers and Cane's sauce – yet ever since he was a child, he says he dreamt of holding a GWR title.

And when the opportunity arose to align Salem and it's 400th anniversary a record-breaking jack o'lantern, he knew it was the perfect chance to unveil the giant gourd – as well as bring their classic Louisiana spice into the New England festivities.

Salem emerged as an American colony in 1626, and half a century later, they became associated with the infamous mass hysteria and witch trials in the 17th century, resulting in the deaths of roughly 20 people. The town has since been known as a place for haunted happenings, and during Halloween, the community leans into their dark past.

Each fall, the town holds festivities such as ghost tours, broom-making workshops, costume parades, and mock trials, which attracts more than two million visitors every October.

A woman dressed as a witch, holding a Raising Canes cup, next to the pumpkin

The giant jack o’lantern was thus a fitting fixture for this year’s 400th anniversary celebrations – and as the carvers spent 32 hours working on the pumpkin, they were often approached by enthusiastic witches and other costume-clad onlookers who proudly took pictures with the humongous orange gourd.

Closeup of the witch's face on the pumpkin

And soon enough, the giant pumpkin had turned into a massive jack o’lantern.

A woman taking a selfie inside the pumpkin while she carves

To bring Todd's vision to life, the vegetable was decorated with dozens of Halloween and Raising Cane's symbols, in addition to tons of tiny turnips. The first jack o’lanterns were carved out of turnips, and beyond our modern-day interpretations of the holiday (such as witches and ghouls) he wanted to make sure to maintain the traditions from Halloween's past.

Closeup of the turnip carvings and the Raising Canes decorations

The final product towered over the miniature pumpkins dotted around the display, and shone from internal lights that illuminated the witch’s purple eyes and bubbling cauldron.

Front of the pumpkin at night, by the stem

After Michael presented the group with their certificate at Salem Common, the townspeople flocked to take photos and witness the record-breaking pumpkin. The media snapped pictures, and the team congratulated each other for their hard work.

And in its third – and final life – the jack o’lantern will remain on display until 1 November, upon which it will be chopped up and donated to a farm in New Hampshire to serve as pig feed.

Closeup of the bats inside the pumpkin

So congratulations to everyone that took part in this spirited Halloween record attempt in Salem, from the planting of the seeds to the cutting of the gourd – you are Officially Amazing!