Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay
Details
Each year, on Columbus Day, giant pumpkins from up and down the west coast come to Half Moon Bay hoping to collect the grand prize of $6 per pound for the most substantial squash!
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We are talking gargantuan gourds, weighing nearly 2000 pounds and not just the 2 or 3 on display at the Pumpkin Festival (that you can't get near) but between 60-80 fine specimens. They are not all giants. Some compete for beauty and come in all shapes, sizes and varying colors of orange.
This is a free event.
Location: IDES Hall, 735 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
I suggest we meet just inside the entrance to the parking lot next to the wall on Main Street at 8 am. I will wear my red SmugMug ball cap. Look for me and say hi if you come later.
The weighing starts earlier at 7 am, and continues until 10 or 11, sometimes until noon. The biggest are weighed last.
There are usually a fair amount of people and press crowding the scales but they all move around. The pumpkins are staged behind the IDES Hall on Johnston St providing many opportunities to get close-up wide angle pictures and meet the growers.
After the largest pumpkin is awarded the prize, the press will swarm the stage and grower. Once they get their story and move on, the pumpkin is left on stage for people to pose with.
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They give away bagels (donations accepted) and sell Pumpkin Festival stuff.
Find parking on most streets. Johnston St will be closed off from Correas to Monte Vista Ln. That is where the growers park their pumpkins.
I know that there are public restrooms in Mac Dutra Park on the corner of Main and Kelly. There usually are Portables at the event.
The weather could start out foggy and then get very warm, or not.
Any camera will do. A normal walk around lens works good. You might find artistic uses for a wide angle or a telephoto. Tripods might be awkward as many people are crowding into a small area.
Traffic coming to Half Moon Bay at that time of the morning should be light.
I will be available to hang after the meet for breakfast or lunch.
Read more information about the weigh-off here - http://weighoff.miramarevents.com/
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I find it amazing and great fun to see these creations all in one place. See you there!