Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Half Moon Bay, California, USA
Early OctoberDescription
Superstar Gourd Growing Greats and their hard-to-believe, titanic orange orbs gather for the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off --- in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California. A $5,000 bonus mega-prize will be awarded to any grower that breaks the world record at Half Moon Bay -- considered the "Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs". A host of accomplished, grizzled veteran growers will be contending for the coveted title, the $5,000 world record prize and $20,000 in additional prize money. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winner will take home a hefty $6 per pound for the champion mega-pumpkin. The grand champion gourd (along with the top five overall) will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 15-16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street. Defending champion Joel Holland, of Puyallup WA, took top honors in 2004 and 2005 with his record-setting 1,229-pound Atlantic Giant. He returns to contend with a formidable field that includes eight past champions. The massive pumpkins will be forklifted onto a meticulously calibrated 5-ton capacity digital scale. Representatives from the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office of Weights, Sealers, and Measures will officiate the weighing. The Grand Champion Pumpkin will be displayed at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 13-14.
Venue
IDES Grounds
Directions
735 Main Street Directions: take 101 or 280 to Hwy. 92 west, left on Main Street (the first stoplight as you arrive in Half Moon Bay) about 5 blocks to the IDES Grounds.
Times
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Website
http://www.miramarevents.com/weighoff/facts.html
Infophone
650--726-3491
Email
tbeeman@miramarevents.com