Growers of giant pumpkins gather in Half Moon Bay, California. And, of course, they bring their massive gourds along. The heaviest pumpkin wins. And it gets a chance to challenge the world record.

At least 30 growers of giant pumpkins signed up for the 53rd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. One of those growers is Travis Gienger. He has won the event four times. Mr. Gienger is a teacher from Minnesota. He teaches horticulture—how to grow things. No surprise! 

His winning streak ended last year. His pumpkin broke while it was growing. This year brought challenges too. Temperatures dipped below freezing. But he still grew a big pumpkin. A really big pumpkin. A pumpkin the size of a small car. Will it claim the world record?

Just last week, Ian Paton set the newest world record for biggest giant squash. His weighed 2,857 pounds. That’s heavier than two and a half concert grand pianos.

Mr. Paton grows his giant gourds in a greenhouse. Mr. Gienger grows them in the pumpkin patch in his backyard.

“The fact that Travis can weather the elements, like 30-degree weather, and still grow this massive pumpkin is pretty unbelievable,” says event spokesman Ronan Fowler. Mr. Gienger and his father planned to take turns driving a combined 30 hours to get to the pumpkin to California. 

Brandon Dawson won last year’s California contest. His pumpkin weighed 2,346 pounds. He will also compete this year.

What’s the prize for biggest pumpkin? Nine dollars per pound of pumpkin. The winning pumpkin will go on display during a Half Moon Bay parade. If the pumpkin breaks the world record, the grower will take an extra prize of $30,000.

And will there be pumpkin pie afterward? Sadly, no. Giant pumpkins don’t tend to taste good.

While the Earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. — Genesis 8:22