Giant Pumpkins Abound: Half Moon Bay's Pumpkin Festival

The candy, the food — including pumpkin specials — the parade and the laid-back atmosphere of the festival have kept Kimberly McGuigan, of Foster City, coming back for four years with her two daughters and her son.

"I like the hometown feel," she said. "Some cities don't even allow candy tosses, because they're concerned about liability."

The fall harvest in this agricultural community creates the draw for the festival, now in its 36th year and by far the Coastside's largest annual event. This weekend an estimated 250,000 are expected at the festival, which continues through today.