The Great Backyard Pumpkin Challenge is one of the most competitive events of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. With over 16 Categories, for both adults and kids, it pits the growing expertise of professional rural farmer versus the backyard home-grower of the city. The competition is fierce especially in the “Heaviest Pumpkin” division. The winner of the 2019 Heaviest pumpkin award was the Danthonia School in Elsmore from Northern NSW, weighing 254Kg. The Danthonia School represents the Bruderhof religious community. Their unique lifestyle of communal living and shared faith meant that a win for the school was a win for the whole community.
The other category that brings in the crowds is the “Celebrity Lookalike” pumpkin challenge. This technique involves using the shape and standout features of the pumpkin and decorating it to look like a celebrity. Last year’s winner, Hayden Schilling, used paint and a bit of pumpkin carving to produce his award winning “Nemo” entrant.
The 2020 Celebrity Pumpkin lookalike competition cohort promises a few Trump and Scomos as their face shape and colouring are a magnet for all potential entrants. Whatever, the outcome the resulting pumpkin soup will be sweet and tasty!
