Since then, growers have set goals and bettered records on a regular basis. Ray Waterman, founder and president of the organization, started promoting a 1,000 lb pumpkin challenge back in 1986. Paula and Nathan Zehr entered the WPC Competition at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY in 1996 and received a total of $53,000.00 USD for their a new world record pumpkin of 1061.0 lb. (481.2 Kg). This is the largest award ever given for a giant pumpkin.

The 1998 Guinness Book of World Records documents this feat with a half page color photo of the Zehr's accomplishment at the Great Pumpkin Farm. Just how big can they get? The Zehr's have now accepted the 1,500 lb challenge. Many Confederation Club Members are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.