2,471-pound pumpkin wins big at competition

By Scout Nelson

The 51st annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay wrapped up with an exciting finish, featuring some of the heaviest pumpkins in competition history.

The top prize went to a massive 2,471-pound pumpkin grown by Travis Gienger from Minnesota, winning by a slim margin of just six pounds. This victory marked Gienger’s fourth championship at the event, securing a prize of $22,239, calculated at $9 per pound.

The competition attracted growers and spectators from across the country, all eager to see the largest pumpkins on display. Growing these giant pumpkins is a demanding process that requires significant attention and resources.

Each pumpkin is typically supported by a large plant, with competitors dedicating extensive time and effort to water and nurture their pumpkins to achieve such extraordinary sizes.

The challenge of growing these giants is even more complex for California farmers, who must navigate water conservation measures due to ongoing drought conditions. Despite these challenges, the weigh-off showcased the dedication of growers who continue to push the limits of pumpkin cultivation.

Visitors were left amazed by the size of the pumpkins, many of which were over 20 feet in circumference. For those attending the event, seeing these enormous pumpkins in person added to the excitement of the competition.

Photo Credit: gettyImages-digitalvision