In fact, Thad Starr, 41, Pleasant Hill, Ore., turned in the second-heaviest pumpkin to be weighed worldwide this year and won the Safeway for the second year in a row.

Contest organizers said in a written statement that the pumpkin earned Starr a $9,168 prize, which translates to $6 per pound.

Starr easily outdistanced runner-up Leonardo Urena of Napa who entered a still-impressive behemoth weighing 1,404 pounds.

Other awards in the 35th annual contest included $500 presented to Jerry Porter of Salinas who won the "Most Beautiful Pumpkin" category.