Minnesota grower’s pumpkin wins Half Moon Bay weigh-off

Travis Gienger, who is from Anoka, Minnesota, won first place at the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, on Monday, Oct.

12.

The event brings giant pumpkins together to compete for heavyweight honors and a world record.

The contest followed pumpkin-season events in California on Sunday.

In Stillwater, Minnesota, the annual Harvest Festival featured giant pumpkins, a pumpkin boat race and a ceremonial pumpkin smashing.

Some of the pumpkins released during the ceremony weighed about a thousand pounds.

The events show how pumpkin season includes both competitions and community celebrations.

The account does not say whether a world record was set.