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Elk Grovians have been “WILD About GIANT Pumpkins” for 15 years. Started in 1994 as a small harvest celebration, the CSD GIANT Pumpkin Festival of Elk Grove is now Elk Grove’s largest family festival drawing more than 35,000 guests each year. The Festival reveals its wild side in 2009 combining packs of GIANT pumpkins, animal prints, reggae music, and a safari inspired scarecrow contest. We invite you to explore Elk Grove’s largest family event October 3 and 4 at Elk Grove Regional Park.

 

GIANT Pumpkin Weigh - Off
"Oh my gourd…" Move over Half Moon Bay… One of California’s biggest weigh-off competitions occurs right here in Elk Grove. In 2008, the CSD GIANT Pumpkin Festival of Elk Grove gained international notoriety weighing off the world’s largest giant pumpkin for that year, 1536.5 lbs. Visit the Safeway Pumpkin Pavilion on Saturday morning to get a glimpse of the giants as they hit the scales.

Pumpkin Recipe Contest
Cook up an award winning pumpkin recipe and you could take home some grocery money. Check back for recipe contest details.

Scarecrows on Safari
Elk Grove’s an urban jungle and this year’s scarecrows are headed on safari.

Design a scarecrow with a safari-style flair and earn a chance to win $350 in this annual Festival contest.

Scarecrows compete in five categories:
• Family or Group
• Youth Open (individuals 12 and under)
• Teen Open (individuals 13-17)
• Adult Open (individuals 18 and up)

Did you know giant pumpkins can float?
Started in 2007, contestants in this crazy boat race competition captain their pumpkin vessels across Strauss Lake for a shot at prize money and bragging rights.