King of Tauranga's crop

Tauranga's King of the Pumpkins has been crowned - and it weighed in at a whopping 119kg.

Three people were needed to carry the large pumpkin on to specialised scales at the inaugural Pumpkin Competition and Vintage Fair at Bethlehem Town Centre at the weekend.

The pumpkin was one of 65 entries, some of which which were dressed up for the occasions.

Pumpkins were transformed into Cinderella, a hedgehog, King Kong's Skull Island and even a scarecrow as part of the pumpkin competition.

More than 1200 people attended the event.

Centre manager David Hamilton said the organisers were keen to stage the event again next year.

Bethlehem mum Julie White took son Tanner along both days to support their friend's entry.

"I'm thinking next year we should enter," she said yesterday.

Doug and Fiona Blair and their sons William and Ryan, were awarded King of the Pumpkins and Best in Show for the 119kg pumpkin.