Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off (41st annual), Half Moon Bay, California

When: Oct. 13, 2014; 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

What: 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 special $25,000 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 contend for the coveted title, the $25,000 world record prize and thousands 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 19-20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street.

Where: IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street, Main St, Half Moon Bay CA
Info-Line:  650-726-9652/Web: www.miramarevents.com