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Elk Grove , California

The California Pumpkin Growers Club is “over the top” in announcing a new California Weigh-off. “The Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off” will be held the 2nd Saturday of October every year at The Nut Tree in Vacaville California. This year that date is October 9, 2021. Located halfway between Sacramento and San Francisco, The Nut Tree, a large open-air shopping center with over 150 stores and restaurants, hosted a California weigh-off from 1980 to 1994. Originally established in 1921 as a fruit stand along Interstate 80, The Nut Tree is pleased to be celebrating its 100th anniversary by bringing back the GIANT pumpkins.
“The Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off” is certified as an official GPC weigh-off. The weigh-off will pay $8 a pound for 1st place and offer a total of $48,425 in prize money, paying all the way to 25th place, the highest paying weigh-off anywhere in the world. Interest is heavy from growers all across the country. An added bonus is that the weigh-off in Half Moon Bay is only two days after The Nut Tree weigh-off and only about 85 miles apart so many growers will be planning on bringing two GIANTs to California!
“The Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off” sponsors will also offer a scarecrow contest, craft and vendor booths, train rides, carousel rides, and a host of other exciting activities. Check out the Facebook page for the “California Pumpkin Growers Club” to stay up to date on the event and to see a complete listing of the prize money. SAVE THE DATE, October 9, 2021. We hope you will join us for this new California weigh-off, if not with a pumpkin, then only to see the largest gathering of GIANT pumpkins anywhere in the world!
Check out our Facebook page "California Pumpkin Growers Club for complete prize money listing.
Any questions feel free to email: californiapumpkingrowers@gmail.com

4/24/2021 11:46:50 AM

Washington State

This brings back great memories for us! Joel's World Record 827# was weighed there in 1992. The Nut Tree brought in Eddie Albert from Green Acres fame for the weekend. A highlight for us to meet him and spend time with him. A very nice gentleman.

4/24/2021 12:30:44 PM

Nova Scotia

Very exciting news and great to hear! And yes Joel's WR of 827 in 1992, remember it well that eclipsed Gancarz'z 816 lb. previous record. If memory serves me correct Mike Green was the contact at Nut Tree at the time and very instrumental in forming the original GPC along with Topsfield, Anamosa and Windsor for the first GPC weigh off in 1993? And of course Donald Black, NY got the GPC off to a roaring start with his 884 WR beauty. Then in 1994 the pumpkin gates exploded with 4 incredible AGs breaking the 900 barrier. WOW look where the GPC has come today from these growers' amazing feats back then? And Joel hasn't slowed down since then...talk about effort and commitment to this hobby. Amazing I say in my books. Cheers everyone! Danny

4/25/2021 8:51:03 AM

Colorado

Thats great news.

4/25/2021 12:24:57 PM

With a contest 2 days before 85 miles away with a ton of prizes will Half Moon Bay shut down? Why would the GPC approve a contest so close?

4/25/2021 2:43:41 PM

Colorado

I think usegi farms was two days b4 half moon bay for many years.

4/25/2021 4:05:28 PM

Fullerton, California

Are there plans for the regatta?

4/25/2021 9:40:11 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

I would have to say that this is a great thing. I know many growers are making the treck to Cali. Now you bring 2 and hit both.
If the logistics work out, don't be surprised to see a kin or 2 for over the other pond or maybe a tad bit North also

4/25/2021 9:45:14 PM

Torrance, Ca.

And don't even think for a second the Patons wouldn't spend whatever it takes to fly one of those giants over here!!!:) Its not about the money for those boys, its all about the friendships and fun!!!
I hope to be there the day that happens!!

4/25/2021 11:38:43 PM

Eugene,OR

Nice work Brian. California is lucky to have you...and so are the rest of us!

4/25/2021 11:42:21 PM

Grittyville, WA

They're gonna do hot air balloons with pumpkins for the baskets.

http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=323485

Wouldnt that be fun?

4/26/2021 1:05:27 AM

President - GPC

This should be a great competition weekend for all of our growers.... GROW BIG

4/26/2021 11:17:37 AM

Washington State

Thank you Danny for your kind words. The early 90's was an exciting time in giant pumpkin growing. There have been a lot of milestones through the years, and a lot of that credit goes to the Dill family.

4/27/2021 7:42:35 PM

Nova Scotia

Thanks Holland family. Have learned over the years like anything in life...play as a team win by a team! This hobby is no different. And yes there have been some very exciting times over the years with record upsets and so forth. Never too old to learn and adapt.

4/28/2021 6:30:58 PM

Stanwood, Washington

My wife grew up in Fairfield which is the next town over. She went to the Nut Tree all the time as a kid to get her Halloween pumpkins. These days its more of a shopping center. I have been there several times with her usually to Get Ice Cream at Fentons.

4/30/2021 1:24:08 PM

Elk Grove , California

The weighoff will be right next to Fenton’s Ice Cream. A total (to date) of $49,425 in prize money with more announcements to come (hint, hint)!!!

4/30/2021 5:03:17 PM