A horticulture teacher from Minnesota has once again secured the top prize at the annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California.
Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota, narrowly defeated his closest competitor by a mere six pounds (2.7 kilograms) to claim the victory at the 51st edition of the prestigious event.
Gienger's winning pumpkin, weighing in at a massive 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), fell just short of the world record he set last year with a gourd weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms). Despite the impressive size of his entry, Gienger admitted that the challenging weather conditions this year, including record-breaking rainfall, hindered the growth of his pumpkins.
"We had really tough weather, but I persevered and continued to work hard," Gienger said. "It was a close call, but I'm thrilled to have come out on top."
Gienger and his family embarked on a 35-hour road trip to transport the gargantuan gourd to California. The giant pumpkin will now be showcased at a Halloween event in Southern California, where a team of skilled carvers will create an intricate 3D carving.
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