Napa grower Linden Fowler poses with his dog Max on his giant pumpkin following his win Oct. 3, in Elk Grove’s Giant Pumpkin Festival Weigh-off. Photo courtesy of Cosumnes Community Services District

 

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - A 2,195-pound pumpkin tipped the scales and set a new site record Oct. 3 at the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, earning Napa grower Linden Fowler the top prize of $7,000.

The victory marks Fowler's first win in just his fourth year growing giant pumpkins.

“I started getting obsessed and fascinated with the hobby or sport, but it's a great way to spend time outside, see sunsets, and just connect with nature,” Fowler said.

Fowler credits much of his success to the community he has found among fellow giant pumpkin growers. He stays in close contact with three other growers, sharing photos, discussing challenges and exchanging advice throughout the growing season.

“Like most things in life, the more community and support you have, the further you can go,” Fowler said. “I think that's what helped get me to where I made it this year.”

Racers in the 2026 Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival’s regatta, which features races in hollowed-out pumpkins weighing about 400 to 500 pounds. Photo courtesy of Cosumnes Community Services District

Getting there required plenty of time in the patch. Fowler spent four to five hours a day for about four months tending four giant pumpkin plants, always with his dog, Max, by his side. Max wanders through the patch and sometimes disappears beneath the massive pumpkin leaves, which grow taller than he is. 

“The dedication behind these incredible pumpkins is inspiring, but just as important is the community that comes together to enjoy them,” said Cosumnes Community Services District Board President Peter Sakaris. “Bringing people together is at the heart of what Cosumnes CSD does, and the Giant Pumpkin Festival is a wonderful example of that.”

The weigh-off kicked off the two-day Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival at Elk Grove Park. The community celebration features contests, carnival rides, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving displays, food trucks, live entertainment and more. 

Jonny Righetti of San Luis Obispo won the 2026 Pumpkin Regatta Oct. 4, retaining his title from last year. The regatta is a race in hollowed-out pumpkins weighing about 400 to 500 pounds.

Elk Grove’s Giant Pumpkin Festival was held Oct. 3-4 in Elk Grove Regional Park.