Get Ready For the First Ever Kentucky Giant Growers Bluegrass Championship Weigh-Off

One of my favorite things at the Kentucky State Fair is the veggie room. I'm sure it has a special name, but you can find all kinds of beautiful fruits and vegetables being judged on size, shape, color, and even creativity. Yep! You can win a ribbon for "funky fruit," and the "Critters" category is so fun.

Of course, the stars of the show are the winners of the Largest Pumpkin and Largest Watermelon competitions. You'll find them displayed proudly right in the middle of the room along with a sign with information about previous record-holders. Did you know that there are former champions from right here in the tri-state area?

Nick McCaslin from Hawesville and Josh Monin from Caneyville have both won at the Kentucky State Fair in previous years. Nick has won in both the pumpkin and watermelon categories. Josh even holds the state record for a pumpkin he grew in 2025 that weighed in at 2,209 pounds!

Josh joined us on the morning show last year to talk about his fair winner, and we joked about there being something in the water in Western Kentucky. While I am not a scientist, I think there should actually be a study conducted.

Nick McCaslin

"Kentucky has been the leading producer of watermelons that weigh in excess of 300 pounds," Nick told me. "That's more than any other state or country, with a total of fifteen 300+ pound watermelons."  The dedication to growing massive melons is very impressive. Fascinating, even.

Get our free mobile app

I know growing is hard work, but the challenge is part of the fun, and talking smack to the other growers, of course. I've heard that closer to weigh-in time, they stop sharing updates because they like to trash-talk and trick each other so much. Gotta love it!

Growers and exhibitors from around the country are getting together at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on September 12th for the first-ever Bluegrass Championship Weigh-Off. At least ten different states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, will all be represented, with more waiting to confirm.

Open to anyone and everyone of all ages, this contest features more than giant watermelons and pumpkins. If you grow Green Squash, Tomatoes, Bushel Gourds, Long Gourds, Marrow, or Field Pumpkins, you should join in! Only $20 per entry, and there are cash prizes. Just be ready to load in at 10 AM that morning before the scale is rolled out at noon.

The event itself is going to be a blast, with Harvest Fest happening at the same time. Local vendors will be set up selling arts and crafts. Plus, there will be food and homemade goodies to enjoy. You may also get to watch history be made. Nick is predicting that Josh's previous state record will be broken by one of the growers planning to attend.

Nick McCaslin

My friend Natalie, Nick's sister, was telling me how much she is looking forward to the weigh-off: "We break a lot of records in Kentucky that most people don’t even realize! It’s so crazy cool to watch; there’s SO much that goes into it!" I agree with her. Seeing these massive monsters in person is pretty mind-blowing.

If you would like to sponsor this event to keep it going for years to come, or for more information, you can contact Nick McCaslin or Kentucky Giant Growers on Facebook.