Massive 1,910-Pound Pumpkin Claims Top Prize in Legendary Half Moon Bay Weigh-Off

HALF MOON BAY, CA – If only Charlie Brown could see this pumpkin.

Weighing in at a whopping 1,910 pounds, a monster gourd presented by a third-grade teacher from Littlerock, Washington claimed the grand prize Monday at the 43rd Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay.

For her efforts, 2016 Grand Champion Cindy Tobeck will receive $11,460 in prize money– that's $6 for each pound. She'll also walk away with a grand champion's commemorative jacket and the place of honor in the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival parade on Saturday.

"I really knocked it out of the park today," a somewhat breathless Tobeck said after the weigh-in. "What I'm most excited about is being in the parade."

While she hasn't given much thought to how she'll spend the prize money -- more compost for the pumpkin patch is likely -- Tobeck said she's got her parade finery all picked out.

"It's a pumpkin crown and a pumpkin scepter and an orange cape," she said.

This isn't Tobeck's first foray into pumpkin-related competition. She took first prize in Washington's biggest weigh-in last year with a hefty squash of more than 1,500 pounds, she said.

Additionally, Tobeck, who says her hobbies are growing giant pumpkins and competing in horse shows, recently won a national championship with her Arabian gelding, Carnelian Moon.

"I'm having the best month ever," she said.

As for her championship Giant Atlantic variety pumpkin, Tobeck says it all starts with seeds that have good genetic potential. She planted the winner on April 15, pollinated it on June 16 and just 95 days ago it was
the size of her thumb, she said.

While this king-size pumpkin is headed for a display at a Las Vegas casino after the parade, Tobeck will harvest its seeds to grow next year's entry. She also plans to give away the championship genetic material
to friends and giant pumpkin growing clubs.

"Now those seeds, they'll be in high demand," Tobeck said.

Pumpkin Fest This Weekend

Before the massive winning pumpkin departs for the glitz and glamour of Sin City, people can check it out at the pumpkin festival this weekend.

The top four overall will all be on display, according to organizers of the the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. The event runs October 15-16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Word of her victory has already traveled back home, where it was announced over her school's intercom.

"The kids were rooting for me," Tobeck said. "I'm just so excited."

Other Awards, Notable Entries

Among the other winners at Monday's event was Los Altos Hills resident Vince Zunino, who claimed $500 for the 'most beautiful pumpkin.'

A Napa man brought a 1,432 pound gourd to the weighing table. Ruben Frias was briefly in the lead Monday with his prized possession.

But, then Walnut Grove resident Rob Globus one-upped him. His giant pumpkin weighed an impressive 1,681 pounds.

Though Tobeck's great gourd was a record-setter this year, it actually failed to top last year's 1,969-pound behemoth.

– Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

(Images courtesy of Miramar Events)