2026 Pumpkin Growing Contest

Can you grow a big pumpkin?

2026 BIG PUMPKIN CONTEST RULES

1. ELIGIBILITY — Entries must be grown in 100 mile radius of Nodaway County and must be pre-registered by Sept 15, 2026. Must be 16 years or older.

2. SEEDS/PLANTS — FREE seeds will be available from Saturday, May 9 at Spring Into Fun info booth located on the courthouse square or for the next three weeks at the Downtown Maryville Market. However, you may use seeds or plants acquired from other sources.

3. REGISTRATION — You must register online here or at Spring Into Fun or the Downtown Maryville Market and pay a $10 entry fee to be eligible for prize monies. An entrant may enter up to three pumpkins at maximum but must pay $10 per pumpkin.

4. PRIZES — More than $1,500 in prize money will be awarded for the largest pumpkin and for entries closest to 100, 200 and 300 pounds.

5. WEIGH-IN — Times and locations to be announced.

6. JUDGING — Weights and pumpkin certification will be determined at weigh-in. Pumpkins with cracks, holes and splits, or evidence of injection or tampering to add weight, will be disqualified. The decisions of judges are final.

7. DISPLAY - By entering, growers agree to allow sponsors to transport, display and possibly decorate their entries by painting, carving or other enhancement.

8. PICK-UP - Pumpkins are to be picked up between 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10. Sponsors are not responsible for pumpkins remaining after 8 p.m.

9. SEEDS - Contestants winning the three largest pumpkin prizes agree to provide one-third of the seeds contained in their prize winner for distribution in future contests.

10. ENTRY DEADLINE - You must pre-register online by Sept. 15, 2026.