This giant pumpkin came from Napa to win Elk Grove’s annual fall competition

A new but familiar champion was crowned Saturday at the 30th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival in Elk Grove.

The pale, enormous pumpkin grown by Ruben Frias of American Canyon tipped the competition’s scale at 1,967 pounds — good for first place at the annual Elk Grove event that ushers in autumn, according to a news release..

The win for Frias and his family served as a full-circle moment after about 15 years of giant pumpkin harvesting.

“I knew he was going to win when I saw it,” said Maricela Estrada, Frias’ wife, in the release.

Frias first won the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, the festival’s main event, in 2009, which is also when he first began growing giant pumpkins. This year he grew the giant gourd in Napa for 180 days to achieve its final size, earning him a $7,000 prize along with bragging rights throughout Northern California pumpkin patches.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate amazing growers like Ruben at this year’s milestone event,” said Jim Luttrell, board president of Cosumnes Community Services District, which organizes the event. “It’s a true testament to the passion and spirit of our community.”

The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival, a two-day celebration, draws thousands of visitors at the start of fall for a slew of seasonal activities, including carnival rides, pumpkin carving displays and a pumpkin patch.