2025 Pumpkin Growing Contest

Can you grow a big pumpkin?

$2,500 in prizes

FREE Seeds
(Including seeds from our 2024 winner and giants from other pumpkin contests.)

Prizes include $200 & $100 for pumpkins weighing closest to 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 pounds and $500, $250 & $100 for the largest — prize money to be presented at 4 p.m., Sept. 28 at Maryville’s Downtown Pocket Park.

The entry fee and registration are not required until you have a viable entry, but they must be completed online by July 15 to be eligible for prize money.

Entries must be grown in Nodaway County or any of the seven adjoining counties and brought to weigh-in locations Sept. 26 or 27.

Want more contest information? Call 660-582-1249.

SEED PICK-UP SITES

Downtown Maryville Market 4th & Buchanan

8-12 Saturdays through June 14th

Southern Bank

Consumers Oil

Rapid Elite

Farmer’s Insurance of Nodaway County

Ziegler Ag

Thank you to our sponsors

Seeds, Rules & Instructions

Seeds for the contest, including seeds from the 2024 winner. A list or several recommended websites with planting and growing tips are listed on the back.

Pre-registration is not required, but after your pumpkin is established, you must register online and pay a $5 registration fee by July 15 to be eligible to win any of the $2,500 in prize money.

Following your registration, you will be sent information on weigh-in times and locations. Weigh-in will be on Sept. 26 and 27. Prizes will be awarded at the Downtown Maryville Fall Into Fun event on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Your entry must be grown in Nodaway County or adjacent counties to be eligible.

Prizes including $200 & $100 for pumpkins weighing closest to 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 pounds and $500, $250 & $100 for the largest.

Remember that you must register your entry by July 15 to be eligible for prize money.

Planting & Growing Tips

Downtown Maryville suggests the websites below for education and tips on how to best grow your pumpkins.

Wallace Whoppers Growing Tips

Jim Sherwood’s Tips for Growing Giant Pumpkins

Ohio State Growing Giant Pumpkins

Downtown Maryville Contest Winners 2024

Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest

First Place: Joe Frueh, with a colossal pumpkin at 637 lbs.
Second Place: Colt Ridge with an impressive 420 lbs.
Third Place: Megan McQuinn with a fantastic 126 lbs.

Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest winners

Men's Division 1st Place: Harold Spire
Also participating: Jake Oliver and Anthony Jack.

Women's Division 1st Place: Skye Pournazari
Also participating: Jaylee Wynn and Harley Chappell.

Youth Division 1st Place: Emalee Wynn
Also participating: Ryder Wynn and Leo Patterson.