Travis Gienger 2,749-pound world record in Half Moon Bay on October 9, 2023 (Credit: Weighoff.miramarevents.com/ CC-BY-SA-2.0)

For most Americans, fall is synonymous with pumpkins. Some are used to make delicious soups and bread, while others get carved into spooky jack-o'-lanterns. Then there are the select few whose only purpose is to win pumpkin weigh-off contests. There are numerous such competitions held nationwide. However, the most impressive mega gourds typically end up at the "Super Bowl" of pumpkin weigh-offs held annually in Half Moon Bay, CA.