Pumpkin weigh-off runner-up becomes world record jack-o-lantern

Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The runner-up at a California giant pumpkin weigh-off found a different route into the Guinness Book of World Records -- as the largest jack-o-lantern.

Grower Josiah Brandt entered his 2,077-pound pumpkin in the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, where it came in second earlier in October, and he was then asked by the Cosumnes Community Services District to allow the gourd to be carved.

Michael Brown of Missouri, Brandy Davis of Idaho and Deane Arnold of Ohio took about 24 hours to carve a face based on Arnold's visage into the "gigant-o'-lantern." They also carved six smaller jack-o-lanterns to enhance the display.

The massive jack-o-lantern was certified by Guinness as the largest jack-o-lantern on record. The pumpkin needed to have eyes, a nose, a mouth and an internal candle to qualify for the record.