ELK GROVE, Calif. —

The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival has begun, marking the start of a cherished fall tradition that has been celebrated for over 30 years in the community.

The festival features pumpkins weighing up to 500 pounds, showcasing the impressive efforts of local growers.

Nine-year-old Jack Patterson from Ripon missed his soccer game to attend, hoping to win a $500 prize for their pumpkin fund.

"It was worth missing a soccer game to come here," he said.

The festival has been around since 1994 and brings families to Elk Grove Park to kick off the fall season. Day one of the two-day festival featured the Giant Pumpkin Weighing Contest, where last year's first-place prize was $7,500.

The second day will feature the Pumpkin Regatta, where the giant pumpkins will be turned i

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