Go big or gourd home!
By Derek Hamill
Every year, passionate growers from across California go head-to-head, competing to cultivate the ultimate giant gourd and claim the coveted title.
Since 1972, Safeway has hosted and rewarded these incredible agricultural achievements, handing out honors for "The Biggest from California," "The Biggest Coastside Pumpkin," and "The Most Beautiful Pumpkin" (the Joe Cotchett Family Award).
The Stakes & Prize Money
- Grand Prize: $9 per pound for the overall heaviest pumpkin in California.
- Top 10 Finishers: Guaranteed cash payouts starting at $3,000 for 2nd place, with all top ten entries receiving compensation.
- Coastside Division: A dedicated local award offering $4,000 for the top Coastside pumpkin.
The bar is set sky-high: last year, Brandon Dawson took home top honors—and a massive $21,114—with a giant 2,346-pound monster. That's not even the top payout on record: the all-time tournament high stands at $30,000!
Do you have what it takes to cultivate the next historic weigh-off winner?
Official rules are governed by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC). Full qualification guidelines and registration details are available at hmbweighoff.com
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