Defending champion Travis Gienger of Minnesota won top prize in the 51st annual Safeway World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay on Monday. His 2,471-pound prize gourd came just 8 pounds shy of his world record win in 2023.
"It takes a lot of good soil biology, good soil health and a lot of work in the beginning to get it this big, " said Gienger, referring to the hoop-house tent he puts over the pumpkin to get it growing early in Nowthen, Minnesota.
In addition to a cash prize of $22,239, which translates to $9 per pound for the winning gourd, the champion will play a starring role in the world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival this weekend. He will also receive a championship ring and a coveted Mel Mello Sr. Grand Champion Growers Jacket.
Every year farmers from across the country compete, as industrial forklifts and harnesses delicately place the huge vegetables on a scale with a capacity to weigh 5 tons. The whole procedure was overseen by Koren Widdel, San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's Office of Weights, Sealers, and Measures.
The grand champion gourd (along with the top four overall) will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday and Sunday on Main Street. There is also a special weigh-off champion pumpkin photo booth. Admission is free and open to the public.
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