08/05/2026
Who is behind this event? Meet your event co-chairs!
Jessica Collins and Steve Maydan have grown the Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Festival over the past 14 years into one of Ridgefield's most anticipated annual fall celebrations.
Steve, President of the Connecticut Giant Pumpkin Growers Club and an accomplished giant pumpkin grower himself, brings years of expertise and a passion for competitive growing to the event. Jessica, a photographer and local writer, shares Steve's vision of creating an event where families can experience the wonder of giant pumpkins while celebrating the amazing community in Ridgefield.
Together, they have grown the festival into a free, family-friendly event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. What began as a small weigh-off has evolved into a full-day festival featuring giant pumpkins and specialty vegetables, live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, children's activities, farm exhibits, and community organizations. Their goal has always been simple: to create an unforgettable experience that showcases the incredible world of giant pumpkin growing while supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and the Ridgefield community.
Through their leadership, the Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Festival has become a signature fall tradition that welcomes growers from across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, bringing together competitors, families, and visitors for a day of fun, community, and awe-inspiring giant pumpkins.