From

Location

Message

Date Posted

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

If you have a nice fruit, but you know that it won't win anything, is there an advantage to taking it to a weigh-off?
James

9/14/2004 12:45:11 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Jim it depends on why you grow these things. After losing two nice fruit this year I am holding on to my last two smaller ones hopefully to bring one to the weigh off. When I figure in the costs of having a Picking party, Gas, and all the other unseen expenses. I am not in this for the money. If most of us were in this hobby for the money we would be a bankrupt bunch of giant pumpkin growers. I say bring your fruit and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pumpkin growing enthusiasts.

9/14/2004 1:38:26 PM

Western Pa.

Grandpa,

Weigh-offs are fun even if you don't have a huge pumpkin. All those guys with "big ones" were once in your shoes. In addition to the camraderie, you may learn some growing tips or even acquire some good seeds and advice.The Ohio Valley site provides prize money for "rookie of the year", prettiest pumpkin (judged by the women), and also random $50 awards to one grower in 200,300,4, 5, & 600# categories. There are also awards for tomato,muskmelon,watermelon, and long gourds. Go and "celebrate" the harvest! You won't regret it!

9/14/2004 2:28:38 PM

[email protected]

I'd say that if we're serious, then we even bring our second or third runners up to the local weigh-off. It is a sign of faith & support in the hobby. Which after a year like this, is all some of us have anyway.

Do the right thing. Enter what you have.

9/14/2004 3:30:18 PM

South Hill, Virginia

Take your pumpkin, you won't regret it. I'm taking my very average fruit 500 miles just to have my butt kicked by guys with twice the weight because it's so much fun to hang out with the people there.

9/14/2004 3:59:13 PM

Massillon, Ohio

agree

9/14/2004 4:10:11 PM

New Bremen, Ohio

I believe there also is some validation of having your pumpkin weighed on a official certified scale from a weigh-off for your seeds from your pumpkin.

9/14/2004 6:48:30 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

It's all about participation.

It is good to meet and hang out with people who share the common interest of growing a giant pumpkin.

The season was tough - bring what you have & be proud of what you got.
Be amazed at the what the heavy hitters bring.

Ask questions - you could learn something.

9/14/2004 8:00:54 PM

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

thanks for all the input everyone. I was planning on going to a weigh-in or two, to meet some of the growers and see if i could learn anything. God knows I have a LOT to learn and I will be the first to admit it. I was just wondering about bringing a pumpkin, and it sounds like I should. Hope to see you there, where ever I go, and I'll bring my little "Pud" along.
James

9/14/2004 9:32:10 PM