Gourdy Is the New Pumpkin Festival Mascot!

Festival organizers ran a “Name The Mascot” contest on its Facebook page that received more than 50 submissions.

The playful, mischievious, delightfully rotund mascot will be introduced during the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Monday, October 13, 7 am to 11 am, on the IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street in Half Moon Bay, California.

The name Gourdy was submitted by three contestants – Stella Pohl, Dyane Hendricks and John Corallo – and contest organizers decided to award all three the winner’s prize package.

The three winners will receive a Pumpkin Festival VIP package including a special introduction and acknowledgement at the weigh-off and two tickets to the growers awards luncheon, plus a prominent ride in the Pumpkin Festival Parade (October 18) and a treasure trove of official 2014 Pumpkin Festival merchandise.

After thoughtful and extensive deliberation, the winning name was chosen by an independent panel of esteemed judges from the Half Moon Bay area, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge and deep love for all things pumpkin.

“Everyone’s really excited about the introduction of our new mascot, Gourdy … he’s gonna be a big hit,” said festival Chairman Cameron Palmer. “Gourdy will be bouncing around the festival having fun and undoubtedly be the focal point of selfies with festivalgoers all weekend,” said Palmer.

Gourdy’s mascot costume is a one-of-a-kind custom design by prestigious design fabricator Carol Flemming.

The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival runs October 18-19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main St. between Mill and Spruce Streets in Half Moon Bay. Admission is free. The festival is presented by the non-profit Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee.

For information, call 650-726-9652 visit the festival website http://pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com or the festival Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HalfMoonBayPumpkinFestival