CA || 432 |- |1987 || Tom Borchard, Salinas CA || 429 |- |1986 || Arthur Quint, Castro Valley CA || 526 |- |1985 || Arthur Quint, Castro Valley CA || 438 |- |1984 || Norm Gallagher, Cheland WA || 612 |- |1983 || Tom Borchard, Salinas CA || 408 |- |1982 || Tom Borchard, Salinas CA || 307 |- |1981 || Francis Collings, Petaluma CA || 337 |- |1980 || Tom Borchard, Salinas CA || 275 |- |1979 || Francis Collings, Petaluma VA || 349 |- |1978 || Francis Collings, Petaluma CA || 298 |- |1977 || Ray Chiesa, Half Moon Bay CA || 200 |- |1976 || John Minaidis, Half Moon Bay CA || 208 |- |1975 || John Minaidis, Half Moon Bay CA || 273 |- |1974 || John Minaidis, Half Moon Bay CA || 132 |} Harvest inspired Arts and Crafts are represented by 250 artists and craftmakers. Original works are available in glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, leather, wood, jewelry and fine art. Food is a big item at the festival. Many food offerings include pumpkin such as pie, pancakes, bread, cheesecake, sausages, and ice cream. Local coastal favorites include Brussels sprouts, artichoke hearts, and Portuguese linguisa sandwiches. All food is provided by community non-profit groups. The Great Pumpkin Parade features the weigh-off champion pumpkin, marching bands, classic cars, and costumed children of all ages. Continuous entertainment is located on three stages throughout the festival. A variety of music is available from Country, to Blues, to Reggae. Family entertainment includes a costume contest, pumpkin carving, games, and a pie eating contest. Giant pumpkin carving is provided by Farmer Mike, a professional pumpkin carver that turns giant pumpkins (up to a thousand pounds) into faces and reliefs. Farmer Mike has carved at the event for years. Local wine and microbrews offer wine and beer by the glass. Other attractions include a Sunday Pumpkin Run/Walk, a talent show, a pancake breakfast, giant pumpkin photos, a poster contest exhibit, and a haunted house. Traffic The popular event attracts more than 200,000 people to this rural community. Major access from the greater San Francisco Bay Area is from Highway 92 to the east. North/South access from San Francisco or Santa Cruz is available using coastal Highway 1. The festival, combined with multiple pumpkin patches surrounding the town, generate severe traffic congestion each year. Parking is limited to side streets or