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A series of humongous pumpkins awaited weighing during the Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In at the Nut Tree Plaza. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)

A proud mom photographs her little boy with one of the many pumpkins entered in the Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off competition at the Nut Tree Plaza. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)

Austin Markham, 7, cuddles a bunny from Half Moon Bay-based Friendly Pony Parties, which hosted a petting zoo at the Nut Tree Plaza. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)

Photo ops galore were available at the Nut Tree Saturday as part of the festivities during the much-anticipated Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Vacaville. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)

Humongous pumpkins were all the rage Saturday at the Nut Tree Plaza, where hundreds gathered for the  second annual Nut Tree World Championship Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.

For several hours, at least 29 pumpkins ranging from a vibrant orange to a more muted whitish-green and from smooth in texture to extra bumpy were secured in a fenced-in area and watched over by a guard, if you will.

In small time increments, the truly gigantic and quite majestic gourds were carefully weighed. It took a lot of people and equipment to inspect and weigh each entry, so rushing was not an option.

As the crowds waited for results, which would be announced later by the California Pumpkin Growers Club, they took part in other fun happening at the Nut Tree.

The Nut Tree train and carousel were operational, manmade bubbles floated across the plaza, children giggled on the playground and folks took respite in the ice cream and barbecue offered by two food trucks.

Of course, eateries at the Nut Tree were also filled to bursting.

A photo opportunity was set up near the train, featuring hay bales and a backdrop with a seasonal banner and pumpkins (normal-sized, of course).

Nearby, rows of tents featured face-painting artists, Balloon Artist Melissa Contildes and a variety of crafts.

Kids jumped for joy in a selection of bounce houses and a petting zoo beckoned lovers of cute animals.

Half Moon Bay-based Friendly Pony Parties showcased chickens, mini pigs, a docile cow, goats, bunnies and geese.

Jeff Markham watched as his kids — Austin, 7 and Emmalee, 5 — trotted after the chickens and eyed the other pets, which eyed them back.

Austin cuddled an adorable bunny, who was more than happy to be pet.

“We’re enjoying it,” said Jeff, who advised that his wife waited in the face-painting line to ensure the kids eventually got a spot.

Daby Boki bought her children, Elian and Celine, for some fun.

“The kids are having fun,” Daby advised, as Elian pulled her toward another attraction.

Ken Sala of Roseville, who entered a 570 1/2-pound pumpkin in the competition, was disappointed that his entry was disqualified.

Seems the pumpkin had a touch of rot on its underside, which triggered the action.

“I don’t know if I can do bigger, but I can do better,” he announced to the crowd.

He had started it from seed at Easter, and it steadily bloomed.

“It’s my personal best,” he shared.

Now, the pumpkin that took five people to lift into his truck would be headed back onto the vehicle. But, not to his home.

“My sister has some farm animals so I might feed it to them,” he posited.

Regardless, he said he was proud of his pumpkin.

At press time, results were unavailable.

Last year’s winner weighed 2,356 pounds and a prize of $23,204.

The Reporter will print the results as soon as we receive them, so keep an eye on www.TheReporter.com.

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