Dear Fellow Growers,

Each year, the Central Wisconsin Pumpkin Growers host a huge fall festival known as the "Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest." The Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest was started in 1998 with an estimated 1,000 spectators in attendance. Over the last 4 years, the Fest had swelled in numbers greatly to an estimated 14,000 spectators in 2002.

The Fest is centered on the weigh-in of giant pumpkins, squash, and other large vegetables, but also is home to a car show, old tractor show, a craft show, along with a farmers market and flea market. We have tried to make this an event in which the whole family can enjoy.

To help offset rising costs to host this growing event, the Central Wisconsin Pumpkin Growers will hold its First Annual Seed Raffle. All money raised from this raffle will be used to help promote the sport of growing pumpkins (such as our annual growing seminar in the spring) and to offset rising costs of the Pumpkin Fest. The seed raffle will consist of approximately 200-300 seeds from many different pumpkins. Highlights include: 582 Hester 01; 790 Daletas 00; 1230 Daletas 01; 2-1074 Calai 02; 708 LaRue 01 (very scarce seed and grew 955 Larue 02); 1337 (World Record) and 1058 Houghton 02; 805 Pukos 00; 780 Eaton 98; 845 Nesbitt 01; and 2-243 Welty 2002 (similar cross as 801 Stelts!!!). Plus many more great seeds and many to be donated yet!!! Anyone that wants to view the whole list of seeds or has any questions, e-mail Casey Neuville. The list of seeds is growing daily, and soon we will have most of them in.