HALF MOON BAY— The winner of the 2019 World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay is from the Bay Area and presented a specimen weighing 2,175 pounds.
It's the heaviest pumpkin grown in California, officials said.
Leonardo Urena of Napa won $15,000 and a stay in the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay for the orange behemoth.
"This is one of the best things ever to happen," said Urena, after being crowned for the prize-winning pumpkin on Monday. "It's fantastic."
AUDIO: -- Napa farmer wins world's heaviest pumpkin, weighing in at 2,175 pounds! His second win in the last 8 years here in #HalfMoonBay. The story on @KCBSRadio:https://t.co/3oGRDv2nXy pic.twitter.com/5eYgctTfMd
— Carrie Hodousek (@CarrieHodousek) October 15, 2019Urena previously enjoyed the sweet, pumpkin-y taste of success in Half Moon Bay. In 2011, he took the championship in the same category with a 1,700-pound squash.
The keys to success begin with seed selection and soil preparation, Urena said.
Weight doesn't matter in this category! Can't forget "the most beautiful pumpkin." This grower took home $1,000. @KCBSRadio pic.twitter.com/JOR97woTmW
— Carrie Hodousek (@CarrieHodousek) October 14, 2019
