Huge pumpkins were all the rage Saturday at the Nut Tree Plaza, where hundreds gathered for the second annual Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in.
Over the course of several hours, at least 29 pumpkins ranging from a vibrant orange to a duller whitish green and from smooth to more jagged in texture were secured in a fenced area and guarded by a guard, if you will.
In small increments of time, the truly gigantic and quite majestic pumpkins were carefully weighed. It took a lot of people and equipment to inspect and weigh each entry, so running wasn’t an option.
While the crowd waited for the results, which would be announced later by the California Pumpkin Growers Club, they participated in other fun activities at the Nut Tree.
The Nut Tree train and carousel were in operation, man-made bubbles floated around the square, children laughed on the playground, and people took a break from ice cream and barbecue provided by two food trucks .
Of course, the restaurants at the Nut Tree were also packed to the brim.
There was a photo opportunity near the train, with hay bales and a seasonal banner backdrop and pumpkins (regular sized, of course).
Nearby, rows of tents featured face painters, balloon artist Melissa Contildes and a variety of crafts.
Children jumped for joy on a selection of bounce houses and a petting zoo beckoned lovers of cute animals.
Half Moon Bay’s Friendly Pony Parties featured chickens, pigs, a docile cow, goats, bunnies and geese.
Jeff Markham watched as his children, Austin, 7, and Emmalee, 5, trotted after the chickens and looked at the other pets, who were looking back.
Austin hugged an adorable bunny, who was more than happy to be a pet.
“We’re enjoying it,” said Jeff, who advised his wife waited in the face-painting line to make sure the kids finally got a spot.
Daby Boki bought his children, Elian and Celine, for fun.
“The kids are having fun,” Daby advised, as Elian pulled her to another attraction.
Ken Sala of Roseville, who entered a 570 1/2-pound pumpkin in the competition, was disappointed that his entry was disqualified.
It seems that the pumpkin had a touch of rot on the bottom, which triggered the action.
“I don’t know if I can do bigger, but I can do better,” he announced to the crowd.
I had started it from then on at Easter and it blossomed steadily.
“It’s my personal best,” he shared.
Now, the pumpkin that brought five people into his truck would return to the vehicle. But not at his house.
“My sister has some farm animals, so I could feed them,” he suggested.
Regardless, he said he was proud of his pumpkin.
At press time, results were not available.
Last year’s winner weighed 2,356 pounds and a prize of $23,204.
The Reporter will print the results as soon as we receive them, so stay tuned to www.TheReporter.com.
