What a gourd! Elk Grove crowns giant pumpkin winner
It didn’t top a ton, but it came mighty close.
Past champion Ruben Frias once again took home top honors at the 30th annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival with a massive 1,967-pound pumpkin.
The humongous cream-colored gourd beat dozens of other hefty squash during Saturday’s weigh-off in Elk Grove Park.
A regular pumpkin competitor and past Elk Grove winner, Frias grows his pumpkins in American Canyon. Frias placed second last year with a 1,723-pounder. (The winner weighed 1,940 pounds.)
“The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off has been the heart of the festival since day one, and growers like Ruben have helped it grow into Elk Grove’s largest family event,” said the organizers. “Ruben first competed in 2009—the same year he took home his first win—and now, 15 years later, he’s reclaimed the title! His hard work, along with the support of his family, earned them a $7,000 grand prize and a place in festival history.”
After the win became official, Frias’ two kids piled on the pumpkin for a photo (and tipped the scales past the 2,000-pound mark). So far, Frias’ prized pumpkin is the biggest in California in 2024.
How long will the record stand? Maybe a week; Half Moon Bay’s 51st annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off is set for next Monday, Oct. 14. Last year’s contest produced a world record pumpkin: 2,749 pounds. Grown in Minnesota, that pumpkin traveled cross country for the weigh-off.
