Growers Hope To Break World Record For Largest Pumpkin

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — Growers are trying to break a world record for the largest pumpkin ever grown.

Growers with their astounding, orange gourds will gather Monday morning to try to break the current world record. That record is 2,323 pounds and set by a Swiss grower during a weigh-off in Germany last year.

Organizers are offering a $30,000 prize for a new world-record pumpkin.

A $500 prize will also be awarded to the "most beautiful" pumpkin based on color, shape and size. The audience will vote.

If two or more growers break the current record, the money will go to the grower of the heaviest pumpkin.

Last year, grower John Hawkley set a North American record with a 2,058-pounder. He is expected to return to defend his title.

The contest kicks off the Art & Pumpkin Festival, which takes place this weekend.