Fruit & Vegetable Weigh-Off | Saturday, October 10 @ 10 a.m.

ON-SITE DEADLINE @ 10 A.M.

WEIGH-OFF BEGINS @ 11 A.M.

We’re bringing back even more competition and fun with the return of the Fruit & Vegetable Weigh-Off—now hosted by SOPG!

This event showcases a wide variety of impressive entries beyond pumpkins, including:

• Watermelons
• Field pumpkins
• Bushel gourds
• Long gourds
• Marrow
• Tomatoes
• Sunflower heads

It’s a great opportunity to see the creativity and dedication of growers across multiple categories—and for festival guests to experience something truly unique.

Saturday GPC Judging: All fruit competing in the Saturday weigh-off will be judged in accordance with current GPC guidelines. All qualifying entries will be submitted

to the GPC for inclusion in the official GPC records and tracking system.

General GPC Rules

1. Entries must be grown and cared for by the grower/team exhibiting them. The grower/team is expected to be present at the weigh-off unless an emergency absence is approved by weigh-off officials.
2. All entries must arrive clean and free of chemical residue, soil, or other foreign substances and are subject to inspection before unloading.
3. Vines must be trimmed to within 1 inch of the stem before judging and measuring.
4. All specimens must be sound, healthy, and undamaged and free from rot, holes, or cracks extending into the interior cavity.
5. Judges may inspect or probe questionable cracks, holes, soft spots, or other areas of concern. The grower must be present before these procedures are performed. Refusal to allow inspection will result in an Exhibition Only (EXH) classification.
6. For Atlantic Giant pumpkins and squash, a single damaged area greater than 3 inches in any direction may result in a DMG classification, unless the area is dry and healed. More than two soft damaged areas requiring removal may also disqualify the fruit from official competition.
7. Squash must meet current GPC color requirements to qualify as squash. Entries that do not meet the GPC squash color requirements will be classified as pumpkins.
8. Only one official entry per grower/team is recognized for GPC competition. Additional accepted entries may be classified as exhibition entries. The grower must declare the official entry before competition.
9. A specimen previously entered in another competition cannot subsequently be entered into competition at a GPC-sanctioned site.

Operation Pumpkin / SOGPG Event Rules

1. All judging and inspection must be completed before the fruit is officially weighed.
2. Pumpkins weighing under 1,000 lbs. are subject to being carved.
3. All pumpkins will remain on-site until Sunday, October 11, 2026, for public viewing.
4. Pumpkins may be picked up Sunday, October 11, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
5. All prize payments and awards will be presented at the conclusion of the weigh-off.

About SOPG

The Southern Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers are a passionate group of competitive growers dedicated to advancing the art and science of growing giant produce. Their involvement brings credibility, structure and an elevated experience for both participants and spectators.

Don't Miss It!

Whether you're a serious grower, a curious first-time visitor or just looking for a fun, memorable experience—these weigh-offs are a highlight of the festival.

Come early, grab a spot and see just how big things can grow!