2026 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest

4-H Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest

Saturday, October 17, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Weigh-In at 10:30 AM

Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum

Think that you can grow the biggest pumpkin? 4-H of Cayuga County would like to see you try! 4-H members and non-members are invited to join this race to the biggest pumpkin. Weigh-in will be at the Halloween event at Agricultural Museum during their old fashion Halloween in Oct. The event will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with weigh-ins promptly at 1:00 PM. Pumpkins brought after 10:30 AM will be ineligible for the contest. A winner will be crowned for the heaviest pumpkin.

Registration Fees:

$5 - 4-H Members

$10 - Non-Members

Please complete one registration for each participant. Registration fee includes 2 Big Max Pumpkin Seedlings. Payment can be made by paypal or in the office. If paying in cash please bring exact change. Seedlings can be picked up in the office between May 1-May 30, at 248 Grant Ave, Auburn, after registration fees are paid.

Contest Rules:

Participants must be aged 18 or under as of January , 2026.
One pumpkin per participant may be entered in the contest.
Pumpkins entered in the contest must be Big Max variety. They do not need to be grown from the seeds provided with the registration fee.
Participants must provide the majority of the care for the pumpkin plant.
Participants must make the majority of the decisions about plant care.
Fertilizers and pesticides must be used safely, appropriately, and according to label directions.
Participants should be ready to describe how the plant was cared for and why to the judges at the event.
Participants are responsible for transporting pumpkins to the event and taken home afterwards.
Pumpkins should be free of excess plant material and dirt.
Circumference will be measured at the largest point.
Judges decisions are final.

Registration for event has CLOSED.