HALF MOON BAY, CA—A whopping 1,524-pound pumpkin from Oregon won this year's Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the World Pumpkin Capitol of Half Moon Bay, California.
The weigh-ins began at 7:00 a.m. and didn't finish until 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 8. Under the watchful eyes of hundreds of gourd growers, visitors, and officers from San Mateo County, the monster pumpkins were carefully placed on a 5-ton capacity, industrial-strength digital scale.
"This is the first time I came over here. It's just the size! This size is just amazing!" said Tom Walker from San Francisco.
Rookie giant pumpkin grower Thad Starr from Pleasant Hill, Oregon unseated 6-time champion Joel Holland from Puyallup, Washington, whose 1,384-pound pumpkin landed in second place.
"I'm happy with the weight. It's a good 3 year run. I had my time in the light. I'm happy to pass it on to Thad. Congratulate him for his wonderful 1,524-pound pumpkin … I will come back next year," conceded Holland who is also vying a comeback.
After the weigh-off, when talking about growing a giant pumpkin, Thad said, "There is really no secret to it. Giant pumpkin growers are the most generous and caring people you will know. You need meticulous care to one plant."
Thad started growing giant pumpkins in a contest between his brother and himself. "We had no idea of what we were doing. We were thrilled by 100 pounds," said the new champ. "My brother beats me on everything in my whole life. I will never let him beat me on pumpkins."
The winner takes in $6 for every pound of his gargantuan pumpkin, which this year totaled more than $9000. Thad planned to take his giant pumpkin back to his hometown and put it on display.
The winning pumpkin and the top five from the weigh-off will be on display at the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival which is scheduled for the Oct. 13 weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the historical Main Street.
"It's wonderful event. It's very popular and it's the fall tradition," said Tim Beeman, the spokesperson for the championship event. "We have arts and music and wonderful food, three stages of entertainment. It's just a wonderful event for family and for everyone."
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