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In many areas, the start of autumn has brought with it the weighing of giant gourds in competitive pumpkin growing contests held in Europe, North America and beyond.

Robert Jaser poses with his Atlantic Giant pumpkin at the palace in Ludwigsburg, Germany, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. Weighing 812.5 kilograms, the pumpkin won the German championship title.
Robert Jaser poses with his Atlantic Giant pumpkin at the palace in Ludwigsburg, Germany, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. Weighing 812.5 kilograms, the pumpkin won the German championship title.

Pumpkins weighing more than 1000-pounds (453 kg), and frequently nearing 2,000-pounds, have been seen around the world as the competitive season continues.

Many of the contests are overseen by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), an organization which has connections to grower’s clubs across North America, Europe and South Africa. The GPC sets out rules for the competitions and sanctions different events around the world. Competitions will continue throughout the season.

In this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, photo, the grand prize-winning pumpkin weighing in at 1,806 pounds is displayed at the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival in Elk Grove, Calif. This year's pumpkin grown by Tim Mathison, of Napa, Calif., wasn't big and round, but wide and flat, leading judges to nickname it "The Flying Saucer."
In this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, photo, the grand prize-winning pumpkin weighing in at 1,806 pounds is displayed at the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival in Elk Grove, Calif. This year's pumpkin grown by Tim Mathison, of Napa, Calif., wasn't big and round, but wide and flat, leading judges to nickname it "The Flying Saucer."

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