Pumped Up Pumpkin Mecca Gears Up for Half Moon Bay’s World-Famous Celebration of the Great and Almighty Gourd; Plus Godzilla Gourds Rock the Scales at the 51st annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, October 14, as Superstar Growers Butt Gourds in the Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs with Top Prize of $9/Pound and $30k World Record Prize; New Scale Purchased to Fit Rhinoceros-Sized Gourds; Debut of Weigh-Off Wall of Fame Mural and Pumpkin King Champion Ring.
No matter what’s happening around us, one lovely constant endures at this time of year – the Coastside’s wondrous and highly-anticipated autumn season is upon us and on the picturesque coast around the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, it’s always stunningly spectacular. The dazzling journey is its own reward … the breath-taking views of seaside farm country dotted with vast, rolling fields of orange, scarecrows, barns, and pick-your-own pumpkin patches. It's the perfect time of year and the perfect place to celebrate the simple beauty and bounty of the fall season and Half Moon Bay does it like nobody else. The world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is the season’s signature event, drawing hordes of visitors to the “World Pumpkin Capital” for an epic festival on historic Main Street. This year’s highly-anticipated 51st annual festival will be held on October 19-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Buyers and browsers will find thousands of handcrafted items in well-stocked booths covering several city blocks. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet 250 of America’s top artists and craftmakers who will be offering their latest creations with great variety and price points to satisfy every budget. Featuring original work in sculpture, paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, leather, wood, metal and mixed media, the festival is considered among the top art shows in the country. Hand-blown glass pumpkins, beautiful vases, flatware, clocks, dishes, wall and table decorations, paperweights, stained and beveled glass, etchings, sculptures, photography, oil and watercolor paintings, beadwork, gold and silver jewelry, vests, handbags, hats, wallets, footwear, windchimes, and waterfalls will be among the thousands of items one-of-a-kind items available. "We have longtime festival favorites returning as well as many talented, new artists this year," said Dana Hale-Mounier, Director of Pacific Fine Arts. "Every item you’ll see is handcrafted from beginning to end — it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the artists that conceive and do the work."