Growers size up the competition

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the Hamilton Gardens Great Pumpkin Carnival this Sunday.

Rototuna neighbours Marin Gempton, 14, and Joel, 6, and Blake Taylor, 4, have approached the competition with quite different dimensions in mind.

Marin chose a petite-sized pumpkin while the brothers grew a monster marrow next to their playhouse.

The carnival at the Rhododendron Lawn starts at 10am with pumpkin registration followed by races including a spade and buttercup race.

Local politicians Sue Moroney and Dave Macpherson will weigh in their pumpkins at 1.45pm with prize-giving at 2pm.

The much anticipated and very messy pumpkin downhill rolling starts at 2.30pm and a pumpkin pulp pile competition at 2.50pm.

Punters will also have the opportunity to guess the weight of the pumpkin at the gardens' information centre until 1pm.