Spalding’s giant growing challenge

Across regional Australia, community events play an essential role in bringing people together, strengthening local connections and creating opportunities for people of all ages to participate in something meaningful. In the mid-north of South Australia, one such new initiative has created excitement – the Giant Pumpkin & Sunflower Competition, proudly coordinated by Spalding War Memorial Committee Inc. 

The competition began with a simple goal: encourage families, schools and community members to grow something extraordinary while strengthening community spirit. Even in its first year, the response has exceeded expectations, with growers ranging from first-time gardeners to enthusiastic competitors hoping to produce record-breaking pumpkins and towering sunflowers.

At its heart, the competition is about far more than producing giant vegetables or impressive blooms. It’s designed to create shared experiences – families planting seeds together, neighbours comparing progress over the fence, children measuring sunflower growth each week and entire communities preparing to celebrate the final weigh-in and judging day. Throughout the growing season, participants have proudly shared photos, stories and updates as their plants develop, building excitement across the region. 

A key element of the competition’s successful launch has been the generous support of community partners, including Diggers through its Seed the Future program, whose donation of pumpkin and sunflower seeds has enabled broad participation across regional communities. Access to quality seed has ensured that entrants, regardless of experience level, have the opportunity to take part with confidence. This support has helped the competition reach schools, youth groups and new growers who may never have attempted growing giant varieties before. 

The event also provides an important educational platform. Participants learn about soil preparation, watering techniques, plant nutrition and seasonal growing conditions, while developing patience and persistence – two qualities essential to gardening and to life. Many schools have embraced the program as a hands-on STEM learning opportunity, allowing students to experience science, sustainability and food production in a practical and engaging way. 

Perhaps the most rewarding outcome of this inaugural year has been the strong sense of community ownership formed around the competition. Local businesses, volunteers and community groups have contributed in many ways, from sponsorship and logistics support to helping organise the upcoming event day, overseen by Spalding War Memorial Committee Inc. 

An exciting culmination of the competition took place on our main event day, Sunday 29 March 2026, with a whopping 206 entrants. It was a great day for the community with people bringing in their pumpkins and sunflowers, catching up with others and enjoying the chance to see what everyone had grown. The day brought a genuine buzz and positive vibe for all, showing there is strong support for this type of community event. 

The early success of the Giant Pumpkin & Sunflower Competition demonstrates how simple ideas – planting a seed and nurturing it together – can create immediate and lasting community impact. With continued support from partners like Diggers and the dedication of Spalding War Memorial Committee Inc., volunteers and participants, the competition is well positioned to grow even further in the years ahead. Whether competing for the heaviest pumpkin, the tallest sunflower, or simply the satisfaction of taking part, the spirit of the competition remains the same: growing something remarkable together. 

We are very grateful to The Diggers Foundation for helping us get the competition started and for supporting our community event that has now created a strong foundation for the future.