CIRCLEVILLE, OH — For local residents dreaming of weighing in a “Great Pumpkin” at the 2026 Circleville Pumpkin Show, the journey begins this weekend. The local pumpkin growers’ club has announced the launch of two entry-level competitions designed to turn gardening novices into giant pumpkin contenders.
The Charlie Brown and Snoopy competitions offer residents within a 25-mile radius of Circleville the chance to grow prize-winning Atlantic Giants using elite genetics.
Which Competition is For You?
The club has structured the contests to encourage both brand-new growers and those looking for a second chance:
- The Charlie Brown Competition: Reserved for residents who have never grown a giant pumpkin before.
- The Snoopy Competition: Designed for those who entered the Charlie Brown contest last year but didn’t quite make it to the 2025 weigh-in.
Elite Genetics and Expert Support
All participants will receive plants started from the “717 Cowdery 25”—the seed line from the Nancy Martin Pretty Pumpkin Award winner featured at last year’s Pumpkin Show.
To ensure success, the club is offering a “toolkit” for new growers:
- Online Resources: Free education via the How2GrowAGs blog, OSU Fact Sheet HYG-1646, and the “Pumpkin Mania” YouTube channel.
- Mentorship: Club members, including contact Dr. Bob Liggett (740-474-3682), will be available throughout the season to troubleshoot patch problems.
- Community: For a $5 membership fee, growers can join the club for a summer picnic and a guided tour of local pumpkin patches.
Big Weights, Big Payouts
Growers who successfully bring their pumpkins to the official Pumpkin Show scales this October are eligible for significant club-sponsored cash prizes in both categories:
- 1st Place (Heaviest): $200
- 2nd Place: $150
- 3rd Place: $100
How to Get Your Plant
Plants will be distributed at two locations this week. Potential growers are encouraged to arrive at 1:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 16: Outside Rhoads Garden Center (Route 56 East, Circleville).
- Sunday, May 17: The Adena Mansion (847 Adena Rd, Chillicothe).
