FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, OCT. 1, 2007

State Farmers Market hosts Great Pumpkin Contest Oct. 4

RALEIGH –The 22nd annual Great Pumpkin Contest will take place Thursday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.  The event features contests for the heaviest pumpkins and one for kids for decorated pumpkins. 

Weigh-in for the largest-pumpkin contest begins at noon in a tent outside the Farmers Building. The heaviest pumpkin will earn $300 in prize money, while second and third places will receive $200 and $100, respectively.

The largest-pumpkin contest is open to all ages.  Pumpkins and completed entry forms must be submitted between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 4.  Each grower or family is allowed one entry and all pumpkins must be grown in North Carolina. 

The decorated-pumpkin contest is open to adults, kids and teens in three age divisions:  8 years and under, 9-15 years old and 16 years old and up.  A top prize of $40, a second prize of $25, a third prize of $10 and a fourth prize of $5 will be offered in the decorated-pumpkin contest. Registration for this competition runs from 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 3 and from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. on Oct. 4.  Entries may be carved, painted or both.  Judging starts at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 4. 

Free pumpkin recipes will also be on hand for visitors.

The State Farmers Market offers plenty of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, plants, garden supplies, crafts and baked goods for sale from local vendors.  The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh, off Exit 297 (Lake Wheeler Road) on Interstate 40.

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