State’s top growers to compete in Illinois' first-ever pumpkin weigh-off

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Move over apple cider and hayrides — this weekend, it’s all about giant pumpkins in Springfield!

The first-ever Illinois Grown Pumpkin Weigh-Off is happening Saturday, October 11 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, as part of the Illinois Product Fall Market.

Local pumpkin growers from across the state will compete for bragging rights — and possibly state records — in this new celebration of Illinois’ top-ranked pumpkin production.

Competitors will go head-to-head in three divisions:

Illinois Grown Open Class – For all adult pumpkin growers
Illinois Grown Youth Division – For growers age 14 and under
Illinois Grown FFA & 4-H Members – Featuring the future of Illinois agriculture

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the pumpkin weigh-off starting at 10 a.m. It will also feature food trucks, live music, free face painting, balloon artistry, pumpkin decorating, and more.

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