A horticulture teacher from Minnesota retained his title as the champion of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California. His enormous pumpkins have secured the top prize for four consecutive years.
Travis Gienger, based in Anoka, Minnesota, outperformed his nearest rival by 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held in Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco.
His winning pumpkin weighed 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), though it did not surpass the world record he set last year with a 2,749-pound (1,247-kilogram) pumpkin.
2,471 pounds is one big pumpkin! Travis Gienger of Anoka has done it again with yet another world championship pumpkin. 🎃 https://t.co/iQtVFPaPvS
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) October 15, 2024
Gienger, 44, attributed his success to maintaining healthy soil and ensuring his plants were well-nourished. However, he noted that an unusually cold autumn with record-breaking rainfall likely affected his pumpkin’s growth.
“We faced really challenging weather, but I kept working hard,” Gienger said. “This victory required a lot of effort, and we achieved it, although it was a close call.” Gienger and his family transported the massive pumpkin for 35 hours to California.
The next destination for the giant gourd is Southern California, where professional carvers will create a 3D carving on it for a Halloween event.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News features a story about Travis Gienger, a Minnesota horticulture teacher, who won the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a 2,471-pound pumpkin, highlighting his consistent success despite challenging weather conditions.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger’s fourth consecutive win at the California giant pumpkin contest with a 2,471-pound pumpkin, despite challenging weather conditions.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who won the annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California?
Travis Gienger from Minnesota.
How many years has Travis Gienger won the pumpkin-weighing contest?
How much did Travis Gienger’s winning pumpkin weigh this year?
2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms).
Did Travis Gienger break his previous world record this year?
No, he did not surpass his previous record of 2,749 pounds.
What will happen to the pumpkin after the contest?
It will be carved for a Halloween event in Southern California.