While growers are wishing for the perfect weather conditions to push the size of their pumpkins to the max, festival organisers are preparing for Saturday, January 17 — the day of the Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival.

If you’ve never been before you are in for a treat.

Stratheden Street in Kyogle is filled with giant pumpkins and watermelons early on Saturday, January 17.

Throughout the morning, the giant vegetables are weighed and a winner is declared.

In 2021, a Southern Hemisphere record was set with an 867kg pumpkin. Could 2026 be the year that record is broken?

There is a watermelon eating comp, an art comp and even a gumboot toss.

Thousands of people come to town to celebrate living in the country.

Local venues have pumpkin and watermelon dishes on their menu with prizes awarded for the best ones.

Dress up in pumpkin or watermelon themed costumes and you could win a prize.

Make a day of it with the family — it’s free, and it’s enormous fun.

For more information go to the Summerland Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival Facebook page.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 1 January 2026.