The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest 2025

Join The Grand Pumpkin Growing Contest 2025 at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market!

The Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest is back! It’s time to plant, nurture, and compete for the grandest gourd in Matakana. This is your chance to grow local legend status (and a pumpkin to be proud of).

How to Enter and Stay Informed

Ready to start? Register now to secure your entry and be among the first to know when Wildly Curious seedlings go on sale at the Farmers’ Market in November. We’ll email you with all the details — you won’t want to miss it! All entries must be registered online or at the Farmers' Market on seedling sale day. Registration is free, so gather your seeds and get ready!

Key Dates to Remember:

  • Planting Season: October to November – perfect timing to get your seeds in the soil!

  • The Big Weigh-In: 10 am, April 5, 2025, at the Matakana Farmers’ Market. Pumpkins must be registered and on display by 9:30 am to qualify.

Categories to Triumph:

  • Heaviest Pumpkin: Go for size and make it grand!

  • Ugliest Pumpkin: Bring on the quirky character.

  • Prettiest Pumpkin: Beauty is in the eye of the grower!

  • Celebrity Doppelganger Pumpkin: Which famous face does your pumpkin resemble? Get creative!

Prizes: Winners in each category will receive Matakana Village Gift Cards, a custom certificate, and more runner-up prizes announced on contest day.

This isn’t just about pumpkins — it’s about community. Register now, plant your seeds, and get ready to showcase your best pumpkin in April!

  • Matakana Village Farmers' Market Giant Pumpkin Growing Contest – Terms & Conditions

    1. Eligibility

      • Entry is open to all ages, and registration is required to participate. No purchase is necessary to enter.

    2. Registration

      • All entries must be registered online or at the Farmers' Market on seedling sale day to qualify for judging. Only registered pumpkins will be eligible for prizes.

    3. Pumpkin Guidelines

      • Any type of pumpkin is welcome in the contest. For those aiming to grow the biggest pumpkin, we recommend the Atlantic Giant or Behemoth Giant varieties.

      • The pumpkin must be grown by the entrant and maintained by them throughout the growing period.

    4. Weigh-In Day

      • The weigh-in will take place at 10 am on April 5, 2025, at the Matakana Village Farmers' Market.

      • Registered pumpkins must be on display and checked in by 9:30 am on the day of the contest.

    5. Categories and Judging

      • Categories include Heaviest Pumpkin, Ugliest Pumpkin, Prettiest Pumpkin, and Celebrity Doppelganger Pumpkin.

      • Judging will be based on the category criteria, as decided by the appointed judges. All judging decisions are final.

    6. Prizes

      • Prizes will be awarded for each category and are non-transferable. Prizes may include gift cards, certificates, and other items. Specific prizes will be announced on the contest day.

    7. Community Spirit

      • This contest is all about fun, community spirit, and bringing everyone together for a light-hearted challenge! Let’s keep it friendly and supportive.

    8. Promotion and Publicity

      • By participating, entrants consent to Matakana Village Farmers' Market using images or videos of their pumpkins for promotional purposes on social media and other marketing materials.

    9. Disqualification

      • Matakana Village Farmers' Market reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who fails to adhere to the terms and conditions or engages in unsportsmanlike conduct.

    10. Liability

    • Matakana Village Farmers' Market is not responsible for any damages or injuries related to growing, transporting, or presenting the pumpkins.

    1. Amendments

    • Matakana Village Farmers' Market reserves the right to modify or cancel the contest at any time. Any updates will be communicated to registered entrants.

    This version keeps the focus on community spirit and welcomes all types of pumpkins. Let me know if any more adjustments are needed!

Matakana Village