Annual Half Moon Bay pumpkin weigh-off draws early morning crowd
- The weigh-off featured entries from farmers across the United States, with significant prizes for the winners.
- Travis Gienger, last year's champion, returned with a pumpkin projected to be larger than his record-setting entry.
- The event highlights agricultural achievements and community engagement, drawing large crowds to celebrate.
On October 14, 2024, the 51st Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off took place in Half Moon Bay, California, attracting a large crowd of spectators. The event, which began at 7 a.m. and concluded at 11 a.m., featured entries from farmers across the United States, all vying for the title of Pumpkin King. The first-place winner would receive $9 per pound for their pumpkin, along with a prestigious champions ring, a special jacket, and a two-night stay at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. This year’s competition included a significant incentive for participants, with a $30,000 mega-prize offered for any pumpkin that could break the existing world record. Last year, the record was set by Travis Gienger from Minnesota, whose pumpkin, named "Michael Jordan," weighed an astonishing 2,749 pounds. Gienger returned this year with a pumpkin projected to be even larger, measuring over 7 feet wide. Among the competitors was Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa, who entered a pumpkin estimated to weigh over 2,000 pounds. The weigh-off utilized industrial-strength digital scales and was overseen by officials from the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's Office, ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the competition. The event not only celebrates agricultural achievement but also fosters community spirit and excitement, drawing pumpkin enthusiasts and families alike to witness the spectacle of these giant gourds.