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Joliet, IL

just a heads up to everyone loading pumpkins in the near
future. don't forget to say it at least 5 times to all
lifters, "DON'T TOUCH, HOLD, OR GRAB THE STEM PLEASE"
it is very easy for a non pumpkin grower to think thats the
best place to grab. first hand experience happened yesterday
on a pumpkin with a real nice long stem. before i could get
the words out, SNAP. so just a reminder, say it once, twice,
or as many as it takes to the lifters, the stem is a no no.

9/29/2004 9:53:17 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Dont let them flip it over to get it on the tarp either...1st Pumpkin picking party they had the pumpkin on its back before I was able to stop them. A well defined plan is needed for new helpers...

9/29/2004 11:31:14 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Shaz:
I can vouch for the stem thing. I couple of years ago a buddy of mine snapped one off before I could say 'boo.' Another thing: if you have Dill rings, be careful about letting kids sit/stand on it. And regardless of any structural problems, kids' shoes tend to mark up your fruit pretty good. Better to wait til after the weigh off before letting kids climb on 'em...
Frank

9/29/2004 11:43:22 AM

South Western Pa

What a great topic for this time of year. I’ve had a stem ripped off as well before I could say anything. And last year, one of my lifting team members ( they were just trying to be helpful) cut the stem down to a nub, “so it wouldn’t get in the way” again before I could brief.

I think this year I will politely brief everyone upon there arrival.

Good luck all!

9/29/2004 12:08:52 PM

[email protected]

Gorilla Glue will put a stem back on for display purposes. It requires moisture to cure & it will keep it on. At a weigh-in, most scale-men allow the severed limb to be weighed with it's donor.

9/29/2004 12:20:27 PM