The Great Pumpkin Contest
Information

Entry Fee: $25

Entry Check-In:
10AM-Noon on Saturday, October 19

$1,000 to the grower of the biggest pumpkin!
2nd PLACE: $500
3rd PLACE: $250
4th PLACE: $100
5th PLACE: $50

ELIGIBILITY:
• Open to All: The contest is open to all growers, regardless of location.
• Entry Limitation: Each participant is allowed to submit only one pumpkin for consideration.

PUMPKIN REQUIREMENTS:
• Type: The pumpkin must be a true pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). Other types of squash or gourds are not eligible.
• Condition: The pumpkin must be healthy, free from any visible signs of rot, holes, or damage. It should not have been pierced, injected, or tampered with in any way.
• Stem Requirement: The pumpkin must have at least a 1-inch stem attached. If the stem is less than 1 inch or missing, the pumpkin may still be eligible, but this could impact its aesthetic score if the contest considers presentation.

WEIGHING & MEASUREMENT:
• Weight: The pumpkin will be weighed on a certified scale at the event (2232 W Mount Morris Rd, Mount Morris, MI 48458). The weight recorded by the official weighmaster is final.
• Measurement: In addition to the weight, the circumference of the pumpkin may be measured for record-keeping purposes, but weight is the sole criterion for winning.
• Arrival and Weighing Time: All pumpkins must be registered and weighed during the designated time frame of 10AM-NOON on the day of the contest – Saturday, October 19, 2024. Late arrivals may not be accepted or may be penalized.

JUDGING & CRITERIA:
• Heaviest Pumpkin Wins: The pumpkin with the highest weight will be declared the winner of the contest.
• Tie Breaker: In the event of a tie (i.e., two pumpkins weighing the same), the pumpkin with the larger circumference will be declared the winner. If a tie persists, the pumpkin with the longest stem will be declared the winner.

DISQUALIFICATION:
• Tampering: Any evidence of tampering, such as artificial enhancement or alteration of the pumpkin’s natural state, will result in immediate disqualification.
• Integrity: Pumpkins that do not meet the criteria for health, condition, or type as outlined herein under “Pumpkin Requirements” will be disqualified.

PRIZES
• Cash Awards: Cash prizes will be awarded to the top five pumpkins by weight. The amounts may vary depending on the specific contest.
• Certificates/Trophies: Winners will receive certificates or trophies commemorating their achievement.

EXHIBITION & DISPLAY:
• Post-Contest Display: Winning pumpkins must remain on display for the duration of the event or as specified by the contest organizers for public viewing and photography.
• Removal: Participants must arrange for the removal of their pumpkins at the end of the display period as specified by the organizers.

MISCELLANEOUS:
• Transportation: Participants are responsible for the transportation of their pumpkins to and from the contest site.
• Waiver of Liability: By entering the contest, participants agree that the organizers are not responsible for any damage to the pumpkins during transport, weighing, or display.