There is plenty to see and do at Half Moon Bay’s world-famous Art & Pumpkin Festival, October 18-19, but nothing gets you up close and personal to the Great Gourd as the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest and Pumpkin Carving Contest. Both events take place in the Bank of America Family Fun Zone, located in the Bank of America parking lot, 620 Main Street in Half Moon Bay.

“To me, the pie eating contest embodies the essence of Pumpkin Festival,” said Wilbur Collins, the spiritual and emotional leader of the contest organizing team for many years. “It encourages participation, it’s loads of fun, and it’s open to everyone. Seeing kids with face and hair full of gooey pumpkin pie, whipped cream and a big smile, it’s a truly sight to behold.”

The contest takes place Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. for kids 11 and under and at 2:15 p.m. for “kids” 12 and over. To enter, claim your spot at the table and you will be handed a 9-inch pumpkin pie loaded with whipped cream to consume. The winners are chosen by audience applause, so style, flair and humor count as much as anything.

“This competition isn’t necessarily about how much you eat or even how fast you eat it,” said Naropa Sabine, pie eating contest Creative Director. “The winner is usually the person who ends up gnarliest and shows some imaginative flair, so anyone can win.”

Artistic types can try their hand at the Pumpkin Carving Contest, which takes place Sunday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contestants are supplied with pumpkins and carving knives, but for the design, they are on their own.

Some contestants take the contest quite seriously, spending hours perfecting their art piece. Others come back to participate year after year, either to compete for the first place title or to defend their championship standing.

The contest is open to children, grouped by school grade, as well as to adults. Awards are presented at 1:30 p.m., where each lucky winner receives not only the honor of creating an award-winning pumpkin masterpiece, but also a coveted Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival Carving Contest ribbon.