Massive pumpkins rolled into Half Moon Bay this week for the 52nd annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, showcasing agricultural prowess and competitive spirit. Brandon Dawson from Santa Rosa emerged as the champion, bringing a jaw-dropping 2,346-pound pumpkin that captured the audience’s imagination.

The event, which has become a beloved Bay Area tradition, saw growers from across the region competing for prestigious bragging rights and a potential $30,000 prize. While Dawson didn’t break the current world record of 2,749 pounds set in 2023, his giant gourd still impressed spectators and judges alike.

This year’s competition was particularly intriguing, with previous champion Travis Gienger notably absent after reportedly losing his prized pumpkin before the weigh-in. Dawson, who had previously placed second in 2024, finally claimed the top spot with his impressive entry.

Beyond the weigh-off, the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival promises a weekend full of autumnal celebrations. Highlights include a pumpkin pancake breakfast benefiting the local boys’ basketball team, the Great Pumpkin Parade, and a pie-eating contest that promises messy entertainment.

The competition isn’t just about size – participants also compete for awards like Most Beautiful Pumpkin, which this year went to David Schuman from Morgan Hill. These massive gourds represent months of meticulous cultivation, careful tending, and a passionate commitment to agricultural excellence.

For pumpkin enthusiasts and casual observers alike, the annual weigh-off remains a quirky, fascinating glimpse into a niche world of agricultural competition that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of skill, tradition, and sheer botanical spectacle.