Community Corner
Napa Man's 1,704-Lb. Giant Pumpkin Wins Weigh-Off, Breaking State Record
Leonardo Urena grew the largest pumpkin in California and won $11,224 at the 38th annual weigh-off held this morning in Half Moon Bay.
A new state record for the heaviest pumpkin in California was set this morning in Half Moon Bay, when a 1,704-lb pumpkin grown by Leonardo Urena in Napa tipped the scales to win over $10,000 at the city's 38th annual pumpkin weigh-off.
"I've always wanted to win Half Moon Bay," Urena said, who placed third last year and second in the few years before that.
He embraced his daughter in celebration shortly after the numbers registered on the scale.
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Urena said he used his own "991 Urena" pumpkin seed to grow this year's winning entry.
Minutes later, he was still shaking with the news while speaking to a crush of reporters.
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"I'm really proud," he said.
Marysville residents Brant and Eleanor Bordsen captured second place. Their pumpkin weighed in at 1,693 pounds. The couple's pumpkin also beat the state record.
Their secret? "A good seed and a lot of attention," said Eleanor.
Despite the wet and cold weather, hundreds of spectators still crowded the stage set up outside the IDES Hall on Main St. to watch the pumpkins parade past the scale this morning.
Though Napa resident Tim Matheson's pumpkin was weighed last, it came in third place at 1,554 lbs.
Standouts included the 775-lb. heaviest Coastside pumpkin grown by Half Moon Bay's Farmer John Muller and an entry from Portola Valley's Eric Carlson, whose pumpkin won the "Most Beautiful" award from the audience.
