Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off Awarded Giant Pumpkins
Local growers competed for cash prizes and custom trophies at the inaugural event held at The Barn Nursery.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The inaugural Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off drew local growers to compete with oversized pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes, and gourds. Don Barron secured the first-place title in the pumpkin category during the event.
Why it matters
The competition highlights the dedication of regional growers who spent years cultivating specific genetics and managing complex soil conditions for their entries. This event serves as a new platform to celebrate agricultural achievements in the area.
The top finisher in the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin and Squash category received a $5,000 cash prize. The event also hosted 5 food trucks for attendees throughout the day.
The players
Don Barron
Don Barron is a competitive grower who secured first place in the pumpkin competition at the inaugural Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off.
The Barn Nursery
The Barn Nursery is a local gardening center that hosted the inaugural Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off and intends to make it an annual tradition.
The details
Growers prepared for the competition by meticulously selecting plant genetics and optimizing soil conditions over several years. The process included starting giant pumpkins in small greenhouses before transitioning them to outdoor plots in the spring.
Timeline
Giant pumpkins were moved from greenhouses to outdoor spaces on May 1.
The inaugural Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off took place on October 10.
Industry Dynamics
This competition follows the established tradition of regional agricultural festivals like the Circleville Pumpkin Show that celebrate giant vegetable cultivation. The event positions Chattanooga as a growing hub for competitive gardening, mirroring the rise of local harvest-based community celebrations.
The event offered a public venue for locals to view record-breaking produce and access mobile food vendors on-site. Future competitions will provide residents with an annual opportunity to engage with local agricultural talent.
The takeaway
Competitive giant vegetable growing requires a significant long-term commitment to soil management and genetic selection. Aspiring growers can start their preparations early by planning greenhouse space ahead of the spring planting season.
What happens next
The Barn Nursery plans to host the Great Chattanooga Weigh-Off as an annual event, with future competitions expected to follow in coming years.
Further reading
For more on community culinary and agricultural events, visit the Chattanooga Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 12 Now.
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