Farmer John” Muller sits with an assortment of giant pumpkins as he awaits the start of competition in the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California October 8, 2007. The winning pumpkin weighed 1,524 pounds.

The World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their titanic, super-sized beasts gather for the 34th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off –– in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay, California. A host of accomplished, veteran growers from throughout the west will be contending for the coveted title and a hefty share of about $20,000 in prize money.

More pictures after the jump.

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Winner… Thad Starr celebrates after his pumpkin won first place in the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. He will win $US6 ($6.73) per pound - or $US9,144 in total for the 1,524 pound beast!

What a big money for him!