Turks turbans, Queensland blues, Australian butters, Japs, butternuts, grammas and many more will be rolling up to Stroud Showground on Sunday, May 25.

Cinderella and her pumpkin coach will take centre stage at the festival providing the perfect pumpkin-inspired set for fairytale photos.

Pumpkin judging, games and competitions, and an impressive display of local pumpkins and squash, are highlights of the day.

Stallholders at the popular monthly market are creating pumpkin-inspired gourmet treats including pumpkin scones, gramma pies, pumpkin chutney and sauces, pumpkin sausages and pumpkin pasta. 

Pumpkin lovers will be able to take home pumpkin tasting packs and select from a range of cucurbits for sale.

Judged categories include the most beautiful, heavy or unusual pumpkin. Cooking categories include best pumpkin scone, jam, chutney or pie.

Those with an artistic bent can enter ‘best dressed’ pumpkin.

There will be pumpkin-themed games and contests including pumpkin rolling and throwing, a pumpkin wheelbarrow challenge, and a guess the weight competition.

As well as honouring the humble pumpkin, the festival also marks the first anniversary of the vibrant Stroud Heritage Growers and Artisans Market – a project of the Stroud Lions Club.

“Our markets are a celebration of the fantastic products of the Karuah Valley, and a great opportunity for people to buy what’s produced locally, is really fresh and is in season,” Stroud Market’s interim chairman Brian Eastoe said.

Entries in the pumpkin judging and cooking competitions are open to all. For more information including entry forms visit stroudmarkets.com or stroud heritagemarket on Facebook or Kylie Taylor on 0498 636 643.