Giant pumpkin in CA tips scale at 1,658 pounds

(NECN/APTV) – A Californian town they call ‘the world’s pumpkin capital’ lived up to its name on Monday as a gigantic gourd squashed the competition to set a new state record. The giant pumpkin tipped the scales at 1,658 pounds (752 kilograms) to win the 36th annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay. The pumpkin sets a new weight record for California, beating the previous best of 1,535 pounds (696 kilograms). With the winner receiving 6 US dollars a pound, its Iowa grower Don Young will take now home a 9,948 US dollar prize. “It’s been a great year growing back in the Midwest. I’ve had a great time out here” Young said on Monday. The sizable squash, which was measured at 5 foot 4 inches tall (162 centimeters) fell short of the world record, apparently set last week at an Ohio weigh-off by one coming in at 1,725 pounds (782 kilograms). That at least gives Young a target for next year. “This is the Super Bowl of weigh offs” he said. Young’s winning gourd will be shown off this weekend at Half Moon Bay’s Pumpkin and Art festival.