Giant pumpkin growers compete in California for 53rd world championship

Giant pumpkin growers and their massive gourds are gathering on Monday in Half Moon Bay, California, for the 53rd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. At least 30 growers have signed up for the annual contest, which takes place south of San Francisco and kicks off the city's fall celebration.

Among the competitors is four-time champion Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Anoka, Minnesota, whose previous winning streak ended last year when his growing pumpkin broke. Gienger and his father drove 30 hours over the weekend to transport the car-sized gourd to California. Other participants include Brandon Dawson of Santa Rosa, California, who won last year's top prize with a 2,346-pound pumpkin. The current world record was recently set in England by Ian Paton with a 2,857-pound squash.

This year's champion will receive $9 per pound and have their pumpkin showcased in a Half Moon Bay parade. A successful world record breaker will also claim an additional $30,000 prize. Monday's event will feature a special appearance by pumpkin carver Mike Valladao, though the giant gourds are grown strictly for size rather than flavor, meaning no giant pumpkin pies will be served.