Ohio Weed Festival Offers Rich Cash Prize

*WAVERLY, Ohio —* The Stargazer Cannabis Festival is making waves this
summer by offering the largest cash prize ever awarded in a cannabis
competition in the US: $2,500 cash, packed directly into the trophy.

Hosted in collaboration with Big Cloud Presents — a production company
known for pioneering some of the Midwest’s most inspired and unforgettable
events — the Cup unfolds at the boutique Stargazer Cannabis Festival (July
25–27), an immersive three-day celebration of cannabis culture, creativity,
and community.

After selling out last year and being forced to close the gates on Friday
to anyone without a ticket, demand for 2025 has surged.

This isn’t your average cannabis competition. The Stargazer Cup unfolds
live over the course of the weekend in what organizers describe as a
“cannonball-style” competition — fast, immersive, and judged entirely
on-site. Unlike traditional cups that stretch on for weeks behind closed
doors, this one happens in real time, with transparency, energy, and
audience buzz.

To ensure integrity and diverse perspectives, Stargazer recently conducted
a lottery-style drawing to select community judges — each of whom will
receive $1,000 and free festival access to help determine the winners
across multiple categories.

“The Stargazer Cup was built to bring the competition back to the people,”
said Chad Thompson, organizer and Communications Director for Stargazer
Cannabis Festival. “We’re proud to be offering a cash prize this big — but
even more proud that the winners will be chosen by real, everyday cannabis
enthusiasts in front of a live audience. We wanted to make this very
accessible to everyone, so it is only $50 to enter your sample. All growers
should enter.”

Big Cloud Presents is helping take Stargazer to the next level.

“We knew right away this was something special,” said a representative for
Big Cloud. “Stargazer isn’t just another cannabis festival — it’s a
creative force. We’re thrilled to help make this Cup a landmark moment for
the culture.”

The competition is open to growers, extract artists, and edible makers from
across the U.S., with the top performer walking away not just with cash,
but with bragging rights as the Cup champion at one of the most
talked-about cannabis events in the country.

Space is limited and entries are open now.
About Stargazer Cannabis Festival

Stargazer is a boutique cannabis festival held on 70 wooded acres in
Waverly, Ohio. Built on creativity, community, and connection, the event
blends immersive art, live music, cannabis culture, and curated experiences
into a one-of-a-kind weekend for cannabis lovers from all walks of life.
About Big Cloud Presents

Big Cloud Presents is a Michigan-based event production company known for
its visionary approach to festivals, concerts,