Half Moon Bay’s Pumpkin Weigh-Off 2024 Competition Sees Champion Repeat with Monster Pumpkin

In the sleepy yet vibrant town of Half Moon Bay, California, pumpkins don’t just grow; they conquer. October 2024 marked another spectacular edition of the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Weigh-Off, where pumpkin-growing enthusiasts from across the nation gathered to see whose gourd would reign supreme. For one day, this coastal town transforms into a buzzing hub of excitement as mammoth pumpkins, some tipping the scales at well over a ton, make their way to the weigh station—each one vying for the title of the heaviest pumpkin.

2024’s Big Winner

This year’s contest saw an incredible feat as Travis Gienger, a seasoned pumpkin champion, smashed previous records with a staggering 2,749-pound pumpkin. His orange behemoth had the crowd cheering, and, once again, Gienger’s name was etched in Half Moon Bay history. With each pound packed into his giant gourd, Gienger edged out the competition by a hair, securing a well-earned victory. As one spectator noted with a grin, “It’s not just a pumpkin—it’s a pumpkin with purpose!”

Gienger’s 2024 victory comes after months of nurturing his prized pumpkin, a process that began long before the summer heat. With a combination of perfect soil, expert-level pruning, and maybe a little luck, Gienger managed to grow a pumpkin larger than life. “You can’t rush a masterpiece,” Gienger joked when asked about his secret.

The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Weigh-Off isn’t just about the gargantuan gourds—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and some good old-fashioned fun. From the crack of dawn, pumpkin growers, locals, and curious visitors arrive in droves, armed with hot coffee and eager anticipation. It’s a time for neighbors to catch up, for newcomers to marvel at nature’s wonders, and for the growers to bask in the glow of their hard work.

How Do You Grow a Monster Pumpkin?

If you think growing a giant pumpkin is easy, think again. These hefty beauties are the result of months of planning, care, and dedication. From hand-selecting seeds with perfect genetics to ensuring just the right amount of water and nutrients, pumpkin growers take their craft seriously. And no one knows this better than Travis Gienger, whose winning pumpkin didn’t grow overnight.

“I treat my pumpkins like family,” Gienger said with a chuckle. And judging by the size of his prize gourd, it’s a family that’s doing well. Growers use techniques that would impress even the most seasoned gardener—temperature control, careful fertilization, and a constant eye on the weather. “There’s no off-season,” one grower mentioned. “You’re always thinking about the next big one.”

Travis Gienger’s 2,749-pound pumpkin will go down in the history books, but as anyone who’s attended the weigh-off knows, it’s about more than just the numbers. It’s about celebrating the changing season, the joy of community, and the sheer awe of what can be accomplished with a little (or a lot) of love and dedication. And, of course, it’s about seeing just how big a pumpkin can get before it’s ready to burst.