Registration For Downtown Maryville's Pumpkin Growing Contest Now Open

Regional growers within 100 miles of Nodaway County can now register for the 2026 Downtown Maryville Pumpkin Growing Contest by June 15 to compete for over $1,500 in prizes, with the final weigh-in and awards set for October’s Fall into Fun festival.

MARYVILLE, MO - Downtown Maryville is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Downtown Maryville Pumpkin Growing Contest. Area growers are invited to compete for more than $1,500 in prize money while showcasing their skills in producing prize-winning pumpkins.

The contest is open to participants growing pumpkins within a 100-mile radius of Nodaway County. To be eligible for prizes, all entrants must register and submit a $10 registration fee by June 15, 2026.

Participants can register in several convenient ways:

• Online at downtownmaryvillemo.com/pumpkin-contest
• At the volunteer tent during Spring into Fun on Saturday, May 9 (noon–5 p.m.)
• At the Downtown Maryville Market from May 16 through June 13 (Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon)
• In person at the Downtown Maryville Executive Director’s office at City Hall (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., through June 15)

As part of registration, participants will receive genetically superior seeds harvested from last year’s impressive 833- and 570-pound winning pumpkins. Seeds are available while supplies last and may also be requested through online registration. Growers may choose to use seeds from other sources if preferred.

For more information, participants can visit the Downtown Maryville website or visit one of the additional partners in the community:

• Southern Bank
• Consumers Oil Company
• Nucor LMP
• Lance Seeds
• Rapid Elite
• Sutherlands
• Milne Seed
• Farmers Mutual Insurance of Nodaway County
• Ziegler Ag Products
• Lipiec Chiropractic
• Heritage Genetics

Weigh-in will take place:

• Pumpkins over 20 inches in diameter:
  • Thursday, October 8, 4–7 p.m.
    • Consumers Oil Co., 101 N. Depot
    • Pumpkins must be on a standard 42x48 wooden pallet
• Pumpkins under 20 inches in diameter:
  • Friday, October 9, 4–7 p.m.
    • Downtown Pocket Park (Main & Third Street)

Prize announcements will be made on Saturday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m. in the Downtown Pocket Park at Third and Main Streets as part of the Fall into Fun celebration.

“We’re excited to see families, neighbors, and local growers of all ages join in the fun,” stated Downtown Maryville Executive Director DeAnn Davison. “Whether you're aiming for a giant or just growing for the joy of it, the contest is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors and create memories together.”

For more information on Downtown Maryville’s Fall into Fun event or pumpkin-growing contest, visit www.downtownmaryvillemo.com or contact Downtown Maryville Executive Director DeAnn Davison at 660-562-8001 or ddavison@maryvillemo.gov.