Gourd Growers Gather Downtown for Heavyweight Title (VIDEO)

Pumpkin growers around the world will be focusing on Half Moon Bay this morning as two Bay Area Atlantic Giants battle it out for the title of the heaviest pumpkin at the 38th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off.

The gigantic gourds from Napa and Santa Rosa are legitimate contenders to beat the 1,810.5-lb. world record for the heaviest pumpkin (held by Chris Stevens of New Richmond, Wisc.) based on measurements that project weight based on height and circumference.

Last year's , grown by Ron Root from Citrus Heights, was also an Atlantic Giant.

In traditional fashion, the smallest pumpkins will cross the stage first for its turn on the scale starting at 7 a.m. At the end of the morning, the largest contenders will be delicately delivered for weighing via a forklift and harness system. The contest is expected to end at 11 a.m.

Half Moon Bay growers participating in this year's contest include Farmer John Muller, Eda Muller, Silvio Modena, John Szabo and Larry Centoni.

The winning pumpkin will net $6 per pound in prize money for its grower. If the winner breaks the world record, a bonus of $5,000 will be added to the prizewinner's bounty. 

Five hundred dollars will be awarded to the grower of the pumpkin deemed "most beautiful" by the audience.

Officials from the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's Office of Weights, Sealers, and Measures will be present on the contest grounds outside Main St.'s IDES Hall to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings.

The 38th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. outside the IDES Hall at 735 Main Street in Half Moon Bay. Admission is free.

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