How to enter the Lewis County pumpkin growing contest

WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The City of Weston is inviting nearby residents to prove their green thumb in the Great Pumpkin Challenge to see who can grow the biggest possible pumpkin.

Weston will provide competing gardeners with the required seeds, which you can pick up when you register for the competition at either of these two locations:

• Lewis County Farmers Market between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 10, or 17
• City of Weston Municipal Building

Registration is required and closes on May 18.

The city will provide each entrant with two “Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin” seeds, which are the only seeds permitted for the contest. Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin is the largest pumpkin variety in the world and was developed and patented by a Canadian named Howard Dill.

It’s important to note that all seeds must be grown in and by a resident of Lewis or a surrounding county, including:

• Harrison
• Upshur
• Webster
• Braxton
• Gilmer
• Dodoridge

The contest will end at the Weston Trunk or Treat event (date to be announced) where pumpkins will be weighed and displayed. Pumpkins must be free of rot, holes, cracks and foreign matter before being weighed. Prizes will be awarded to those with the biggest pumpkins, although what the prizes are has not yet been announced.

Be sure to check out the full list of rules here , as well as tips and instructions on how best to grow your pumpkins.

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