Get ready to squash your expectations at the 30th annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, rolling into town on October 5-6, 2024. This gourd-geous event will take over Elk Grove Park, transforming it into a pumpkin paradise that’ll have you falling for autumn again.
A Weighty Affair
The star of the show? The Giant Pumpkin & Produce Weigh-Off, where growers from across California and beyond bring their massive orange babies to compete for glory and cold, hard cash.
Last year, Russ Pugh from Eugene, Oregon, snagged the top prize with a whopping 1,941-pound pumpkin. That’s heavier than a small car! Who knows what records might be smashed this year? Maybe we’ll finally see that elusive one-ton pumpkin make its debut.
Pumpkin Boats: Not Your Average Gourd
If you thought pumpkins were just for pies and jack-o’-lanterns, think again. On Sunday, October 6, witness the spectacle of the Pumpkin Regatta. You read that right: giant pumpkins carved into boats and raced across the lake.
It’s like something out of a fairy tale, except with more orange and a higher chance of someone falling into the water. Cheer on your favorite pumpkin paddler as they navigate their way to victory.
Fun for the Whole Family
The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival isn’t just about oversized vegetables. It’s a full-blown autumn extravaganza that’ll keep you entertained from 10 AM to 5 PM on both days.
Here’s what you can expect:
Rides and Inflatables: Nothing says fall like screaming your head off on a Tilt-A-Whirl.
Arts and Crafts: Get your creative juices flowing and make something pumpkin-themed to take home.
Vendors and Food Trucks: Satisfy your cravings with a variety of treats. Pumpkin spice everything, anyone?
Live Entertainment: Three stages will be packed with performers, from musicians to dancers, keeping the energy high all weekend.
Contests Galore
Feeling competitive? The festival has contests for every age and interest:
- Lil’ Pumpkin Cupcake Contest: For budding bakers 12 and under
- Pumpkin Recipe Contest: Adults can show off their culinary skills in sweet and savory categories
- Scarecrow Contest: Channel your inner artist and create a spooky (or silly) scarecrow
- Youth Art Contest: Young artists can showcase their talents in various age groups
Who knows? You might walk away with a blue ribbon and bragging rights.
A Growing Tradition
What started in 1994 as a humble celebration has blossomed into a beloved annual event, drawing up to 70,000 visitors. Elk Grove Councilman and Vice Mayor Rod Brewer call it the city’s “premier annual event,” bringing families from Northern California together to kick off the holiday season.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars for October 5-6, 2024, and head to Elk Grove Park at 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624. The festival runs from 10 AM to 5 PM on both days. Admission is free, but parking will cost $20 (cash only, folks).
More Than Just a Festival
The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival isn’t just about having a good time (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about community, tradition, and the simple joy of watching a 2,000-pound pumpkin being lowered onto a scale by a forklift. It’s about farmers who dedicate months to growing these orange monsters and paddlers who brave the waters in hollowed-out gourds.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of Elk Grove’s most cherished tradition. After all, how often do you see a pumpkin big enough to live in? See you there, pumpkin pals!
Sources: cosumnescsd.gov, exploreelkgrove.com
Header Image Source: cosumnescsd.gov
