National Pumpkin Weigh Off 2024 top 10 Future Farmer winners. Photo courtesy of Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

 

WHEATLAND, CA (MPG) – Established in 1921, the National Pumpkin Weigh Off is returning for the third year to Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, approximately 20 miles north of Roseville. The all-day event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, with judging to begin at 11 a.m.

The event now offers the world’s largest prize pool – over $63,000. New this year, the event’s largest pumpkin is guaranteed $7,500, doubled to $15,000 if over 2,000 lbs., and multiplied 5x to $37,500 if it breaks the World Record. Also new this year is a $1,000 bonus for the biggest California grown pumpkin this season and a $2,500 bonus for a California Record breaker. In all, the top 20 pumpkins will win cash prizes. Growers from across the United States and Canada are expected to participate.

Last year’s winner was Jim Sherwood of Mulino, Oregon, weighing-in at 2,453 and taking home $22,077. Currently the World Record pumpkin is 2,749 lbs. held by Travis Gienger of Minnesota. In addition to giant pumpkins, seven additional categories will be judged and awarded cash prizes, including bushel gourd, long gourd, tomato, marrow, sunflower, watermelon and field pumpkin.

Local 4-H and FFA students have again been given the opportunity and starter plants to grow giant pumpkins of their own. Students ranging from seven years old to 17 are eligible to enter the Future Farmers category, which will pay for the top ten places, with a top award of $1000. 2024’s Future Farmer winner was Harrison Kennedy, age seven, weighing in at 856 lbs.

The California Pumpkin Growers Club is a non-profit organization composed of pumpkin and large vegetable growers throughout California. The Club is part of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the international organization which sets the standards for the competitive weigh offs held around the world and officially tracks every weigh off and pumpkin entered.

“The goal of the California Pumpkin Growers Club is to promote the growing of giant pumpkins and other vegetables through friendly competitions and through education of the non-growing public about what it takes to grow these giants,” said Brian Myers, Chairman of the California Pumpkin Growers Club. “The Club is thrilled to be at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm again. We hope to see records fall as our monstrous pumpkins hit the scale.”

Open from early-September through early-November, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is located at 1415 Pumpkin Lane in Wheatland, California. Since opening to the public in 1973 as a place for local students to experience an agriculture field trip, Bishop’s has grown to a regional destination, offering homemade foods, authentic farm fun and the largest u-pick pumpkin field in the world. Over 275,000 guests visit annually.

“When the opportunity to host one of the most prestigious agricultural contests in the world presented itself, we gave a resounding yes,” said Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm Owner, Wayne Bishop. “It’s just the perfect fit for our business, our passion, and our ag-based community.”

In addition to the weigh off, a VIP Meet-the-Growers Reception will be held on Friday Sept. 26 and a National Pumpkin Weigh Off Awards Dinner will be held the evening of Sept. 27, both at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, the Weigh Off’s Title Sponsor.

 “We love supporting our local community,” said Meghan McCarthy, Vice President of Operations for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento. “Our region is truly an ag-tourism destination. We are excited to partner on this unique event again and can’t wait to welcome new visitors.”

National Pumpkin Weigh Off sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more at www.pumpkinweighoff.com. Follow the event at facebook.com/nationalpumpkinweighoff.