Organizers have started planning for the 15th annual Whidbey Island Giant Pumpkin Contest, and are now offering free giant-pumpkin seeds for islanders who want to compete in the competition to grow the greatest gourd.

The contest is held each fall at Coupeville’s HarvestFest and features giant pumpkins, giant zucchini and other assorted giant vegetables. The contest is open to all island residents, and past winners have come from Clinton to Oak Harbor.

Last year’s biggest pumpkin weighed more than 1,000 pounds, and the zucchini winner tipped the scales at more than 20 pounds.

Prizes are awarded for the biggest, prettiest, ugliest pumpkins and the biggest pumpkins grown by a junior. The biggest zucchini also wins an award. Each year there are special prizes, so anyone might be a winner.

Contest organizers say the time to start planning is now, and planting is in April or early May.

Thanks to support from the Coupeville Festival Association, free giant-pumpkin seeds are available to any Whidbey Island resident who wants to join the fun. To get your free seeds and information about the contest and growing giant vegetables, contact Lee Roof at 321-6650.