Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off October 11, 2010

Superstar Gourd Growing Greats and their hard-to-believe, gasp-inspiring, titanic orange orbs gather on the morning of Monday, October 11 for the 37th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off -- in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California -- the kick-off to Half Moon Bay's world-famous Art & Pumpkin Festival which takes place October 16-17.

This year, for the first time, a $5,000 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". The added prize money is made possible by the sponsorship support of Safeway and MEGAMIND, a new 3D animated comedy adventure coming to theaters nationwide on November 5.

A host of accomplished, grizzled veteran growers will be contending for the coveted title, the $5,000 world record prize and $20,000 in additional prize money. In a unique pay-by-the-pound system, the winner will take home a hefty $6 per pound for the champion mega-pumpkin PLUS the added bonus of a private screening of MEGAMIND for 200 of their friends, family and guests.

Defending champion Don Young, of Des Moines IA, obliterated the competition at last year's Half Moon Bay weigh-off with his burly 1,658-pound "Monster from the Midway". Beauty will share center stage with beefy brawn -- a special $500 prize will be awarded to the "most beautiful pumpkin" as judged by the audience based on color, shape and size.

Using forklifts and harnesses, the monster gourds will be carefully placed on a 5-ton capacity digital scale under the watchful eye of officials from the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner's Office of Weights, Sealers, and Measures.

The official weighing will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the I.D.E.S. Grounds, 735 Main Street in Half Moon Bay. The champion mega-pumpkin, along with the top five pumpkins overall, will be on display at the Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Official Website: http://www.miramarevents.com