You don't pick the pumpkin; the pumpkin picks you (Will Federman / Neon Tommy).

The allure of $5 pumpkins attracted thousands to Cal Poly Pomona this past weekend, as the state university celebrated its 21st annual pumpkin festival.

Estimated crowds of more than 60,000 braved long lines and high temperatures for the chance to abscond with a jack-o-lantern for just $5. Families scoured the field for hours, loading armfuls of pumpkins on to wagons to take advantage of the flat rate. 

Proceeds from the pumpkin sales help support student organizations, Cal Poly research projects and laboratory operations at Kellogg Ranch Farm.

Dawn Taccone, manager for the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch, estimated the festival had “over 25,000 visitors on Saturday,” but expected that number to be well over twice that amount by the close of business on Sunday.

The festival was also something of autumn paradise for foodies. The exterior of the Farm Store was jam packed, as crowds navigated through a gauntlet of food vendors offering all kinds of seasonal treats - from pumpkin ice cream to pumpkin bread.

Attendees waited in long queues to try out authentic pit barbecue and more indulgent fare, like fresh cut garlic french fries. And if you had a sweet tooth, you could buy everything from Halloween-themed cookies to fresh cinnamon candy apple butter actually jarred at the Kellogg Ranch itself.

Food vendors were delighted by the extraordinary crowd response, which Taccone cheerfully referred to as “out of control.”

Taccone said that “over 20 student organizations” were also present at the festival, promoting their clubs through activities like pumpkin toss and face painting. There was rarely a dull moment for families between trying to escape the dreaded corn maze and squeezing in a quick hole of miniature pumpkin golf.

While festivities concluded Sunday evening, Taccone noted that ranch “isn’t done yet.”

Families unable to make it out for the pumpkin festival will still be able to pick up their gourd of choice during regular business hours. And the pumpkin patch will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Halloween.

“There are still more pumpkins, there will always be more pumpkins,” Taccone said.

Reach reporter Will Federman here or tweet him at @wfederman.