The infamous Deniliquin Giant Atlantic pumpkin competition brings to life the competitive, fun and intriguing nature of the traditional Deniliquin Show.
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Referred to as a “friendly war”, under the guidance of stewards John Russell and Ken Allitt, it has been going for more than a decade.
The competition is still “very competitive”, with the secret remedies and methods of pumpkin growing generating as much interest and engagement as the resulting pumpkins themselves.
And those stories feed into subsequent years, which means some often use deception and misdirection to trick their competition.
From using holy water, bragging over pumpkin production numbers, and pumpkin damage just before the weigh-in - it all adds to the fanfare around the competition.
Backing the competition from the start, and once again this year, is Deniliquin business Charlie Carp - apt given quite a few of the entrants swear by the product in getting the best pumpkin.
Charlie Carp also sponsor another popular Deni Show event - the carp toss.
So what should we expect to see in the Deni Show pumpkin patch this year?
Atlantic Giant Pumpkins can grow quite large - reports are one in Kyogle got to 600kg earlier this year - but it is all dependent on growing conditions.
Mr Russell and Mr Allitt say it has been a difficult season, with rain before Christmas and high temperatures since playing a role.
However, growers have pushed through and competitors are always in with a chance at delivering the heaviest because you “just don’t know” what can happen on the day.
The competition attracts entrants from across the district, including the defending champions from Coleambally and potential entrants from Cobram and other northern Victoria towns expected this year.
Planning for the competition starts months in advance of the Deni Show, starting with Mr Russell and Mr Allitt providing pumpkin seeds to interested school groups in October.
While more entrants are always encouraged, the stewards say they could have up to 30 entries across the open and junior sections this year.
Part of the giant pumpkin display also includes the annual guess the weight competition.
This year’s pumpkin was grown by local grower Andy Davis, who Mr Russell said has “done a great job”.
It’s $1 a guess, and many guesses were gathered through the display in the Deni CBD this week.
Today, the pumpkin will be on display at the Pretty Pine Hotel, and guesses will also be taken in the pumpkin patch at the Deni Show until noon on show day tomorrow.
The weigh-ins will take place from 12.30pm.
The pumpkin competition is returning for another year at the Deni Show.
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