Rules & Information
COMPETITION RULES
Each league member is eligible to submit one item per category per year. A single item may not be submitted to multiple categories.
Exception: For the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, members can submit one official entry and up to one EXH (exhibition) entry. The official entry must be declared prior to competition weigh-in/judging. Only the official entry is eligible for competition, awards, and prizes. EXH entries will still be weighed.
Entries must be free from any foreign substance on the outside or inside. No substances may be injected into the entry during it’s lifetime.
Entries must not have any holes or splits into the seed cavity (minor exterior cracking or holes are ok). The entry must remain sound until the official weight is recognized on the scale/judging is complete.
Eligible entries must be started from seed by the league member who is entering the exhibit into competition. The member entering the item must be the full-time owner and caretaker from seed to scale (tending to the entry at minimum 75% of it’s lifetime). Growing teams are allowed, and can include up to two members contributing equally to the growth of an entry at the same address.
League member (or family member) must be present at the competition for his/her entry to be eligible.
Vines must be reasonably trimmed prior to weigh-in/judging (no long vines attached for extra weight).
Entries must be grown during the competition year. No frozen entries will be allowed.
Attempt to bend any of these rules could lead to disqualification. The ultimate decision of eligibility is subject to these rules and the vote of other league members (conducted by the League President) in the event of a questionable entry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: When & how do I enter into a competition category?
Answer: All competiton entry sign-ups happen on the day of the event (9/27/26). The only exception is the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, where you are required to pay an entry fee of $25 by June 30th, 2026 (and no, you won't get your money back if your pumpkin fails mid-season!) All fees collected go towards 1st and 2nd place cash prizes for that specific competition category. No fees or cash prizes for the Freestyle, Ugliest Pumpkin, or Chili Competition. Question: This is my first year at the Invitiational… is there anything I need to know?
Answer: The Grand Harvest Pumpkin League is a friendly but competitive club of family and friends attempting to grow impressive pumpkins. The league is by invitation only (if you got the newsletter or invitation, you're part of the club! But if you want out, please let us know). Last year's event was held at Chris & Julie's house. This year the Invitational will be at Zac & Christen's house. Any questions, please reach out to one of us! Question: I am worried my giant pumpkin is so impressively large that the League won’t have the equipment to unload/weigh my prize-winning harvest! How can I estimate the weight of my giant pumpkin?
Answer: There are some good online calculators and charts to help with this. Below are two basic methods to estimate your weight range (applicable for pumpkins weighing 100-600lbs) using 2005 Tables by David Martin. Given our 2025 competition results, it is unlikely anyone will grow anything larger, thus data was not given over 600lbs. For more information, click here: https://www.bigpumpkins.com/Attachments/2005WeightTables.pdf . We will be in touch to make sure we have the proper equipment to move & weigh your giant!! 
1. Over-The-Top Method - Place your tape measure on the ground at the stem and blossom ends. Measure the distance from ground to ground.
165” - 208” = 100-200 lbs
208” - 240” = 200-300 lbs
240” - 265” = 300-400 lbs
265” - 287” = 400-500 lbs
287” - 305” = 500-600 lbs
2. Circumference – Measure the circumference of the pumpkin at stem-height, parallel to the ground.
67” - 89” = 100-200 lbs
89” - 104” = 200-300 lbs
104” - 116” = 300-400 lbs
116” - 126” = 400-500 lbs
126” - 135” = 500-600 lbs