Hysham, Mont.—The town’s beloved Fall Fun Festival was crowned by an extraordinary entry: a 280‑pound pumpkin grown by two‑year‑old Barrett Sears. The massive fruit, affectionately named Arlo, out‑weighed the competition and became the centerpiece of the weekend’s festivities.
Family Tradition Fuels Success
Barrett’s mother, Marlee Sears, explained that each of the three Sears children was given a plant to nurture. “Each kid got to pick a plant. We have three children,” she said. Barrett’s older sister, Emery, entered a pumpkin named Stella, which earned a close second place at 241 pounds. Their oldest son, Clayton Mitchell, grew the smallest pumpkin in the family’s patch.
“Barrett’s was the big winner, and his name was Arlo. And it was the 280‑pound pumpkin,” Marlee added, beaming with pride.
Gardening Roots Run Deep
The Sears family’s green thumb traces back to father Sean Sears, who introduced his children to gardening at an early age. “I started my very first couple tomato plants and then grew from there,” Sean recalled, noting that the hands‑on experience sparked a love of cultivation that now includes record‑breaking pumpkins.
Festival Highlights Community Spirit
The pumpkin competition was just one element of a broader celebration organized by the Hysham Chamber of Commerce in partnership with River Bottom. Chamber President Alison Baue described the event as a chance for residents to gather, enjoy seasonal activities, and showcase local talent.
“The Hysham Chamber hosted with River Bottom the fall fun day,” Baue said. Attendees also enjoyed free horse‑drawn trolley rides provided by Elk River Outfitting, along with hot cocoa, cookies, and chili—comfort foods that added to the festive atmosphere.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
For the Sears family and the wider community, the festival offered a welcome pause before winter’s arrival and planted the seeds for an even larger competition next year. “It was a great new thing for our community to get out and do something in the fall. And hopefully you know next year we’ll have more people want to have bigger pumpkins,” Marlee said.
As Hysham residents reflect on the success of this year’s event, the anticipation builds for future festivals that celebrate family, faith, and the simple joys of rural life.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
