Established in Vacaville at the Nut Tree in 1921, the National Pumpkin Weigh Off moved to Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in 2023, located in Wheatland, approximately 20 miles north of Roseville. This year, the all-day event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, 2024, with judging to begin at 11 a.m. Growers from across the United States are expected to participate. With one of the highest prize pools in the world, organizers say interest has also been sparked by international growers. First place prize money will be awarded in a “pay-by-the-pound” system with the champion receiving a hefty $9 per pound. In all, the top 25 pumpkins will win cash prizes, anticipated to total over $50,000. Currently the World Record pumpkin is 2,749 lbs held by Travis Gienger of Minnesota. The California record is 2,356 lbs. held by Jason Booth of Windsor, California. In addition to giant pumpkins, seven additional categories will be judged and awarded cash prizes, including bushel gourd, long gourd, tomato, marrow, sunflower, watermelon, and field pumpkin. Local 4-H and FFA students have also been given the opportunity and starter seeds to grow giant pumpkins of their own. Students ranging from seven years old to 17 are eligible to enter the Future Farmers category, which will pay for the top five places, with a top award of $500. The California Pumpkin Growers Club is a non-profit organization composed of pumpkin and large vegetable growers throughout California. The Club is part of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the international organization which sets the standards for the competitive weigh offs held around the world and officially tracks every weigh off and pumpkin entered. “The goal of the California Pumpkin Growers Club is to promote the growing of giant pumpkins and other vegetables through friendly competitions and through education of the non-growing public about what it takes to grow these giants,” said Brian Meyers, Chairman of the California Pumpkin Growers Club. “The Club is thrilled to be at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm this year. We hope to see records fall as our monstrous pumpkins hit the scale.” Open from early-September through early-November, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is located at 1415 Pumpkin Lane in Wheatland, California. Since opening to the public in 1973 as a place for local students to experience an agriculture field trip, Bishop’s has grown to a regional destination, offering homemade foods, authentic farm fun and the largest u-pick pumpkin field in the world. Over 275,000 guests visit annually. “When the opportunity to host one of the most prestigious agricultural contests in the world presented itself, we gave a resounding yes,” said Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm Owner, Wayne Bishop. “It’s just the perfect fit for our business, our passion, and our ag-based community.” In addition to the weigh off, a VIP Meet-the-Growers Reception will be held on Friday September 27th and a National Pumpkin Weigh Off Awards Dinner will be held the evening of September 28th, both at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain, the Weigh Off’s Title Sponsor. “We love supporting our local community,” said Meghan McCarthy, Vice President of Operations for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento. “Our region is truly an ag-tourism destination. We are excited to partner on this unique event and can’t wait to welcome new visitors.” National Pumpkin Weigh Off sponsorship opportunities are now available, contact Crystal Martin at (530) 218-2320 or Brynda Stranix at (530) 713-3375.