This year the Canfield Fair was canceled but the pumpkin weigh-off is still on. This year the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers is holding its annual weigh-off at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield. Due to COVID-19, the event is closed to the public and only exhibitors are allowed in. 

Starting at 9 AM Saturday morning, contestants will be getting judged on their showcased fruits, vegetables, and of course giant pumpkins. "We expect over 120 giant vegetables and over 60 giant pumpkins for this year's contest," said Nick Harp one of the directors at Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers

The different types of vegetables and fruits that will be judged will be watermelon, sunflowers, jack-o-lanterns, and much more. This year's judging will look a little different due to COVID-19 by the fruits and vegetables won't be on display. Instead, they will be taken out of their cars judged, weighed, and placed back in to limit exposer to others. 

The giant pumpkins will be put in order smallest to largest then they will be measured and weighed in a more traditional way. 

The event will be outside and the forecast is expected to be beautiful and warm for the second weekend of October. "The sad part is that it's going to be a gorgeous weekend in October and the public can't be here to enjoy it. Said Tim Parks, owner of Parks Garden Center in Canfield.

One the judging is done and the winner is chosen, the large pumpkins will then go on to be judged in other contest held in other major cities like New York and Louisville. If it's not getting judge the farmers will then sell the large pumpkins to bidders for promotional events and other buyers for their seeds.