From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Hamburg, NY

Those interested in communicating about a major competition on October 6, 2007 with the objective of securing a major sponsor and award proper prizes for benchmark pumpkins please email me at [email protected].

There would be multiple sites worldwide. European and Asian sites as well. Site and grower involvement is a prerequisite. Can you imagine any major sport being unorganized like this? Lets get this under control before we reach 2,000 lb. with no major award. With proper planning and the right involvement it can be done.

Ray Waterman

1/28/2007 5:46:43 AM

Roanoke Il

Ray it seams to me you see the train leaving with out you. I think that the GPC steering committee is pushing towards the thinks you mention. Maybe its time you come to the dark side and join up with the GPC. If we stand together we will be stronger apart we are only one....mark

1/28/2007 10:21:22 AM

Northeast

What about Don Black and what he deserves

1/28/2007 11:10:53 AM

That State Up North

Olympics of Gardening sounds like a wonderful thing. What is the first prize for any olympian from the Olympic committee? Recognition as a medal for their acheivement, and yes international publicity. Their acheivements are celebrated, and in some cases rewarded when they come home to their country by monetary reward. Additional money is floating around for those atheletes from potential sponsors. The olympic comittee does an amazing job on publicity because of the event they have, and bring in the best in the world with competition driven by the passion the competing atheletes have for their particular sport.
There is fierce competition, both between atheletes, and between the countries they represent. There is something greater than a paycheck there. There is pride in self and pride in country.
In our world, their is pride in your own patch and a grower's accomplishement, and a great pride in supporting your organization (regional pride).

What contributes to disorganization?
Lack of unity.
I don't want to make any enemies, but look at Washington and Oregon and see what prize money has done for the unity of what was once the best group of pumpkin growers on the planet. Ray was the best organizer and PR man the giant pumpkin world has ever seen. What happend? Money, power, lack of unity due to a distraction from the goal of an international communities love for their hobby. What could have been if there ever was an olympics of gardening where the world of giant pumpkin, and all the other giant fruit and vegetable growers could unite? Not to make some $, but to further their own dreams.

1/28/2007 12:40:08 PM

That State Up North

Greater colaboration, more feirce competition, higher goals acheived, more growers involved (not to win, but to enjoy the sport), more positive publicity.
I am just a dreamer, looking for a leader, and right now I see the GPC, but there are other great organizations who could definitly contribute to the giant fruit and vegetable growing community if they would put aside their grudges and look for what is best for everyone.

1/28/2007 12:40:32 PM

That State Up North

If I were to pick a political system that works best, I would have to choose capitalism.
Money is important.
If I had $50, 000 in prize money, that would allow me an amazing budget for growing bigger pumpkins.
The best growers get the most money. And, they are the best, so they put that money to the best use in growing more bigger pumpkins.
If we see major prize money in the $50-100k range, I would like to see that being awarded to clubs. Just an idea. Think of the amazing things an organization could do with those funds for starting up new growers, and organizing and funding colaborative efforts in the pursuit of larger fruits and vegetables?
Local prize schedules serve well to recognize individual growers. Entrepreneurial growers and the most skilled gardeners will make additional money to fund their hobies because of their ability and hard work.

can't we all just make pumpkins, and not war?

1/28/2007 12:47:22 PM

[email protected]

I personally believe that huge cash prizes would be bad for this hobby. I also believe it would be hard to find someone to supply the large amounts of cash needed for an event like this. I think its a moot point because it won't happen.

A stronger team/club competition where clubs would compete as a team versus other clubs around the world for a team/club title would be great in my opinion. A trophy that would get passed to the winning club each season and have that clubs name engraved on it would also be great. Kinda like a Stanley Cup for pumpkin/veggie growing.

1/28/2007 4:27:31 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Ray, there seams to be wide spread support for the current GPC structure. However there is always room for improvements. We would all certainly entertain an open invitation for you to attend this years convention in Niagara Falls. Drop by and check out the GPC for your self.

1/28/2007 6:52:08 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I like the club vs club thing! Jim

1/28/2007 7:00:36 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

We could always have a fun rivalry say, If colorado doesn't grow a pumpkin over 800 pounds this yr I'll shave my mustache. If any of the people who sent me bubbles sets a state record, Ill shave my beard. If RW sets another back to back record, he can shave my head. How's that sound, anyone else?
Oh and I challange any state, to see who grows a bigger pumpkin, just give us 600 pounds.
Capt

1/28/2007 8:42:47 PM

West By God Virginia

LOL CCW I guess you haven't heard of the infamous skunk cap! He He

1/28/2007 9:17:54 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

nope have heard about it.

1/28/2007 10:42:14 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

I wear a 10.5, what size is that skunk cap? Growing in certain states is different and difficult. Some states would just have to sit and watch, doesnt seem like much fun there...

1/29/2007 11:54:46 AM

maine USA

Apparently Nic is a far more dedicated pumpkin grower than me. 50,000 into growing bigger pumpkins. I could come close to paying off my house! I could really live with that, lol. KathyT

1/29/2007 12:16:04 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

Well said Nic, If I was into growing for the money, I would most certainly move out of Colorado like Pete Glasier did many years ago, and no I am not infering Pete moved to grow bigger for the money, as If you ask him I will bet he will tell you Colorado stinks when trying to grow anything and the climate is brutal, especially for pumpkins. I think he learned well in Colorado though just like I do every year. Colorado is a challenge that is so tough to grow in that only the tough and experienced growers will barely survive. That is why the true Olympic Training Center, USOTC. is actually located here a mile from where I grow and have grown for 12 plus years now. I do feel that breeding good genetics at high altitude with thin air and intense sunlight, at high altitude with severe weather conditions could breed a new true olympic competitor type of plant being the plant on the male and female sides produced big, in the harsh conditions of high altitude growing and did well. Just my opinion, but I think if some crosses I have done and others I am planning on doing if planted in an ideal pumpkin growing environment which is no where around Colorado, could possibly produce some amazing results. Hats Off to Pete G. maybe I need to get out of Colorado like he did myself. If there is talk about national weight averages, then I feel Colorado needs a 500 pound handicap. So if someone does a 1000 pounder here it is equivelent to 1500 pounds grown on a good costal plain, Which Joe S. already broke in 2000. So if Colorado does a 1500 pounder in 2007 which is highly doubtful.lol Then It should be equivelent to a One Ton 2000 :<)>>>>>>>>......

1/30/2007 3:27:46 AM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

By the way Capt Cold in Boulder, the new bet for Colorado growers is if you break the state record as I have been trying to do for many years now, then well..Guess what is in store??? A pumpkin Tat of a pumpkin of your choice on the body....lol We will see who wins the bet, as it has been 7 years since the record was set 1009.2 Scherber in 2000

1/30/2007 4:06:56 AM

Indiana

I have to say having some extra cash after the season form some prize money would be nice. That way I could have half a dozen dumptruck loads of manure and compost dropped on the garden and be able to bid in a couple auctions on some hot seeds but then again the $ are just going back into the "sport"/hobby
Steve

1/30/2007 10:45:30 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

my problem, is extra cash somtines gets spent else where. I win prize money from the fair every yr, and this yr, it got spent on Bubbles, howard dill.com and my Fav BEACHYSEED.COM.
Longmont has a nursery that top prize is $300 bucks, a 660# but there not GPC. But I may enter it this yr.
Capt

1/30/2007 11:54:13 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

James, how big a tat will I need to get this year? hehe. Oh yea and Captn, prepare to shave it all off......Weather Permitting.....lol

Were growing BIG this year.

1/31/2007 1:47:48 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

Might have to leave the decision on how big the tat is up to JS., as it will be his record that falls. Or maybe we can start a new bet Who ever sets the new state record gets the tat or a head shaving.....lol

2/2/2007 3:57:51 AM