Fresno Families Celebrate Record-Breaking Pumpkin FestivalFresno Families Celebrate Record-Breaking Pumpkin Festival Thousands of eager Fresno families flocked to the annual Pumpkin Festival, held at Woodward Park, breaking all previous attendance records. This year’s event showcased the largest pumpkin ever grown in Fresno, weighing an astonishing 2,303 pounds. The festival offered a cornucopia of autumnal delights. Children reveled in the hay maze, pumpkin-painting zone, and petting zoo. Adults soaked up the live music and browsed through a kaleidoscope of vendor booths offering handmade crafts, local produce, and Halloween-themed treats. The highlight of the festival was the much-anticipated pumpkin weigh-off. Growers from across the region competed for the coveted title of “King of the Pumpkins.” After an intense competition, the gargantuan pumpkin grown by local farmer John Smith took the crown. “I’ve been growing pumpkins for over a decade, but this is my biggest ever,” exclaimed Smith. “It’s an honor to have my pumpkin represent Fresno.” The festival also hosted a pumpkin-carving contest. Families channeled their creativity, transforming ordinary pumpkins into glowing jack-o’-lanterns that lined the park’s pathways. The winning pumpkin featured a meticulously carved depiction of Yosemite National Park. “The Pumpkin Festival is a wonderful way to bring families together for fall fun,” said Mayor Lee Brand. “It’s a celebration of our community and the beauty of the season.” The record-breaking attendance and enthusiasm of this year’s Pumpkin Festival solidified its status as a beloved Fresno tradition. Families left the event with cherished memories, full hearts, and a newfound appreciation for the bounty of autumn.