Established in 1921, the National Pumpkin Weigh Off moved in 2023 to Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, approximately 20 miles north of Roseville. The all-day event is scheduled for Saturday, September 25th, 2027, with judging to begin at 9 a.m. With the highest prize pool in the world, growers from across the United States and Canada participate. First place prize base is $7500, doubled to $15,000 if it's over 2000 lbs, and increased a whopping 5x to $37,500 if it breaks the World Record, and increased again to $75,000 if it's the first pumpkin in the world to top 3,000 pounds! In all, the top 20 pumpkins will win cash prizes, potentially totaling over $100,000. Last year’s winner was Jim Sherwood, of Oregon, weighing in at 2,613 lbs, shattering the Oregon state record. Currently the World Record pumpkin is 2,819 lbs held by Ian and Stuart Paton from the United Kingdom. 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 again been given the opportunity and starter plants 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 ten places, with a top award of $1000. 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 Myers, Chairman of the California Pumpkin Growers Club. “The Club is thrilled to be at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm again. We hope to see records fall as our monstrous pumpkins hit the scale.” Open from mid-August through mid-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 400,000 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.” Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento was once again 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 again and can’t wait to welcome new visitors.”