HALF MOON BAY - Businesses say the 51st annual Art & Pumpkin Festival is a major boost to the local economy, not just this weekend but for all of October. The support it gives to businesses, farmers, and nonprofits is a much-needed infusion of visitors spending money.The festivities got off to an early start with the 50th annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off Monday morning.
Nonprofits also collect enough money to make them profitable for the whole year in one weekend, according to Palmer. For pumpkin farms, it creates an appeal around their community that keeps people coming to town all month. 'Just the beauty of the area, to see all these pumpkins out in the field, is pretty incredible, it's photo op city for all the families,' Palmer told KPIX. The festival takes place Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.