^{People gather around a contestant in Giant Carrot Festival, Grootville}

Universe HHG5R1: Grootville, Dec 29, 2023 — Last weekend's Giant Carrot Festival in Grootville, known for its record-breaking vegetables, took an unexpected turn when the star attraction, a carrot weighing over two tons, mysteriously vanished hours before the judging ceremony.

The Giant Carrot Festival, a staple event in Grootville, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Locals and tourists alike flock to see the mammoth orange vegetables, some as tall as a two-story building. However, this year's event was marred by an unforeseen twist that left the town baffled.

Martha Greenstalk, a local farmer and reigning champion for the past three years, was poised to win yet again with her colossal carrot, affectionately named "Carroty." But during the early hours of the morning, festival organizers discovered an empty patch where Carroty once lay.

"I couldn't believe my eyes," said Hank Plowfield, the festival's chief organizer. "One moment it was there, and the next, poof! Vanished into thin air."

The local authorities were called in to investigate the disappearance, leading to a town-wide search. Children and adults alike combed through fields, barns, and even checked under their beds, hoping to find the prized vegetable.

In a surprising twist, young Timmy Root, aged 8, solved the mystery. While playing near the festival grounds, he stumbled upon a gathering of rabbits – the largest ever seen in Grootville. In their midst lay the remnants of Carroty, being feasted upon by the furry culprits.

^{Rabbits eating one of the stolen carrots}

"The rabbits outsmarted us this time," chuckled Sheriff Beetleaf. "We'll have to consider rabbit-proof security for next year's festival."

Despite the loss, the festival continued with a lighthearted spirit. A new category was added to the competition: 'Smallest Carrot,' won by a carrot the size of a pinky finger, grown by elderly Mr. Parsnip, who commented, "It's not the size that counts, but the flavor."

^{'Smallest Carrot' category winner, Mr. Parsnip}

The Giant Carrot Festival concluded with a communal carrot stew, made from the remaining entries. The town is already looking forward to next year's event, with plans for improved security and perhaps a rabbit-themed float to honor the unexpected guests who turned the festival on its head.