New Jersey Grandpa’s Huge Zucchinis Are Making Him A Star

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — They’re not just zucchinis, they’re Charles Adornetto’s babies. And they’re also his ticket to local and national stardom.

It was 2015 when the 86-year-old grandfather – a Sicilian immigrant who came to the U.S. about 60 years ago - first revealed his uncanny ability to grow huge, contest-winning vegetables, winning an annual zucchini growing contest in Nutley with an astounding 9-pound, 2-ounce vegetable that he produced in his home garden.

Adornetto followed up his 2015 victory with another win this August, turning in a hefty, 6.57-pound zucchini that literally tipped the scales in his favor.

And that’s when things started to get a little diva-ish, his granddaughter, April Lehman, told Buzzfeed. Read the full article here.

“He's become a complete diva,” Lehman jokingly told a reporter, adding that she’s extremely proud of his green thumb and the recognition that it’s brought him.

• See related article: Bloomfield Couple Create Wildlife Habitat In Their Backyard (PHOTOS)

Here are some of the ways that Adornetto has tried to capitalize on his local fame, according to his granddaughter:

• He demands that his zucchini photos be shared online
• He carries his certificate and winning zucchini to family gatherings and events
• He’s adapted his award-winning zucchinis into Halloween costumes
• He tried to get a traffic ticket lowered in court by telling the prosecutor about his zucchinis

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

File Photo: Flickr Commons