The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Challenge

With Halloween not far away, HALF MOON BAY organizers (California pumpkin weigh-off championship) said a $25,000 prize will go to the person who grows the world's first 1-ton pumpkin.

The winning pumpkin at the Half Moon Bay, Calif., competition must break the 2,000-pound threshold and be the heaviest pumpkin weighed in at the October 8 weigh in.

The world record for heaviest-recorded pumpkin is 1,818.5 pounds, grown by Jim and Kelsey Bryson, of Wellington, Ontario.

(photo above)

"It's only a matter of time before someone grows the first one-ton pumpkin, and it would be incredibly exciting to have that monumental landmark established right here," said Cameron Palmer, chairman of Half Moon Bay's Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. "With Half Moon Bay's proud tradition and legacy, it would not only be fitting but also a tremendous honor for our weigh-off."

Half Moon Bay's Pumpkin Festival

41st annual HALF MOON BAY ART & PUMPKIN FESTIVAL, Oct. 15-16.




The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates the fall harvest with enormous champion pumpkins, three stages of entertainment, live music, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling Haunted House, harvest-inspired crafts and homestyle foods.



There's a pancake breakfast, pie-eating and costume contests, festival-label wine and Mavericks Pumpkin Harvest Ale.
Admission is free.