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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

What do you like to see at a weigh-off?

I mean besides Giant Squash & Pumpkins, trophies & ribbons.

Is your favorite weigh-off part of an Ag-Fair?

Is it a stand alone event? Is it just growers or does your event appeal to the general public at large? If the public does attend do they help or hinder the weigh-off? How?

What would you like to see that might be missing or that would make it a better event?

12/19/2006 12:08:15 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

The kids was my favorite part, they get so awestruck when they are told "Yes, that is a real punkin!!!" Peace, Wayne

12/19/2006 1:51:07 AM

Roselle, IL GJGEM@sbcglobal.net

Warm weather and sun shine. We been lucky the last two years

12/19/2006 9:16:32 AM

Roanoke Il

Steve being unloaded in a timely order. The site following the rules they posted or following the organizations rules they belong to.. mark

12/19/2006 12:10:43 PM

Well Steve,,since you asked,,and you are one of the new members of the GPC board,,here goes !!

The GPC needs better follow through for new sites,, at least here in the upper midwest. Eugster's Farm Market(Stoughton,WI)has just completed the second year of a weighoff. They have paid the fees for GPC membership and have been promised "help" on both events. To this point they received a banner and some ribbons.

After investing thousands of dollars in prize money and promotional costs they are still waiting for "any" help from the GPC. These are great, hard working folks with excellent facilities and location (central to a 4 state area) for a weigh-off. Having a longterm business plan that incorprates fall "pumpkin related sales" and having over 7,000 people through the gates on any given weekend in October speaks well for thier success.

This was my first year attending and have gotten to know the owner. He is more than a little disheartened at this misrepresentation by the GPC organization.

I for one hope this gets someones attention and he gets a call that will instill some faith that he will indeed have help in future events at his site.

Dan B

12/19/2006 1:11:53 PM

Lexington, Ky

Impartial, non-affiliated judges...

12/19/2006 2:16:27 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

This is all productive stuff. Please keep it coming. My original thread was of a selfish nature. We're trying to improve the CT GS&PGA weigh-off & trying to think of ways to do this. I like to include children....IE Face painting, maybe kidde carnival rides, etc.

Music come to mind if a decent band is available but a good DJ might work too.

We run a stand alone beachside weigh-off. Many others are hosted by Ag-Fairs, Garden Centers, etc.

My thoughts were to increase attendence & revenues but.....

From a GPC Committee Member standpoint it never occurred to me that some weigh-offs are having other issues.

What kind of "other help" should the GPC be providing?
We can help train judges but the GPC doesn't have a travel budget to send judges to individual sites.

unkadan, we're working on the "communication flow" right now. Once I have a handle on your weigh-off's site coordinator I'll be in touch with them. If you want to take this private my email is next to my handle.

12/19/2006 3:28:52 PM

Long Island,New York

We can look at the pumpkins and squash for 8 hours straight, but after an hour the family/support group gets fidgity....just need something to keep them occupied.

12/19/2006 5:00:04 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Steve we had an inflatable jumping castle for the kids that worked great. It was loaded with kids all day long.

Meals were provided by one of our sponsors at a nominal charge. I found it to very reasonable and they did all of the work plus chipped in for some of the prizes.

We also sold seeds to raise a few extra bucks. We had three different entry levels too which help attract some growers.

Russ

12/19/2006 6:11:05 PM

Berlin,mi.(zuhlke2@hotmail.com)

berville weigh off puts on a great event for the kids. here are some of the things they do.
face painting
guess the weight of the pumpkin 50/50 raffle
decorate small pumpkins with crafts froma table all set up for them. judge them by age groups and give them ribbons.
pumpkin drop with candy thrown out when it hits.do three age groups.
guess the amount of pennies in a container of your choice.closest gets the container.

12/19/2006 6:55:44 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Jamie (1320),

I just sent you an email:

This (your comment) concerns me. I can’t let a complaint like this go unanswered. What event occurred to prompt this comment? Where did this take place? We don’t have a weigh-off in KY but if there is an impartiality issue at any GPC event then we need to know about it so we can address it.

Judges will always be affiliated as they should be. The integrity of a weigh-off depends on having knowledgeable judges & we won’t finds that knowledge outside of the growers circle.

Case in point: My son’s elementary school entered a fruit in our weigh-off this year. They grew 2 pumpkins (with my help). Both had stem end splits though neither breached the cavity to my eye. I still asked for an official ruling. I refused to comment on the splits until after the ruling. The larger fruit passed & was entered. At 214 lbs I doubt anyone really cared but that wasn’t the point. It is a matter of honor & integrity.

All weigh-offs utilize two growers to make inspections since laypeople have no idea what a judge should be looking for. However if a judge has a fruit entered that requires a ruling that judge will recluse themselves from ruling on their own entry. At such a time it is protocol to defer to another experienced grower as well as the other four judges.

From Article II Section 4 of the 2006 rules:

continued:

12/19/2006 10:18:40 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

4) Judges for a weigh-off will consist of the club/grower representative, site coordinator, site representative, and two experienced growers. The two judges from the growers will be appointed by the three GPC representatives. If any Judge has an entry that is in question or can not be present the day of the weigh-off they will be excused from the Judges panel and another grower will be appointed in their place.

I am going to copy this email to Dick Wallace who is our East Coast District Representative.

Please provide us the details of the event in question.

Thanks & Happy Holidays!

Steve

Stephen Jepsen
CT Giant Squash & Pumpkin Growers Assoc, Pres.
ctpumpkin@optonline.net

12/19/2006 10:18:46 PM

Coventry R.I.

i,m new here, but something for the kids would be great, the jumping castle, sounds like a good idea.

12/20/2006 6:40:42 AM

Lexington, Ky

Thanks Termor, that was kind of you. I have replied.

Jamie

12/20/2006 3:49:09 PM

Georgia

I think If they combined a couple events into one it would be cool. Like on the same day as the fruit and veggie contests also have a BBQ contest. Good ribs,chicken and brisquets and big pumpkins ya cant go wrong.

12/21/2006 1:30:38 PM

ordinary,VA

Steve how do we get started down here?
the weigh-off most growers go to is the
Virginia State Fair.
room for improvement there.

12/21/2006 2:43:59 PM

Montoursville, PA

Altoona, Pa. has had a petting zoo for the kids, a milk drinking and pie eating contest, a pumpkin carving and vendors. This blend seems about right for them.

Pictures with the pumpkin is always popular when the grower agrees and is present. This would include a need for signs or other advertising. They don't care if it is a 500 or a 1000 lb but they definately favor orange.

I'd bet my last buck that Libby's or equal would turn loose cases for a good administrative request and plan of distribution at a weigh off.

I have yet to see a spotlighted table offering seeds and simple hard copy...how to grow. How to join our organization.

The Regatta thing is seemingly growing. More fun and more work but it proves to be grower and public interest based. Regatta's attract media coverage. It's silly and goofy but they love it.

12/26/2006 11:39:57 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We did the "how to join & grow" booth this year. We also gave away seeds. It was a hit....I think. We'll know for sure next year. LOL

I love the petting zoo & Photo-op idea!

12/26/2006 11:53:28 AM

Rhode Island

A quick reply regarding assistance (or lack there of )from the gpc executive committee.
Usually when i think about a GPC site im thinking not only about the GPC SITE but the CLUB that will weigh off there as well.
That is the real secret behind a GPC or any other weigh off sites success for that matter.
It takes both working together to produce a successful event.
A new site without a partnership club weighing off and helping administer the weigh off for example, is a site that more than likely will fail.
To me a gpc site/giant pumpkin club go hand in hand. one with out the other will not work very well.
Pap

12/26/2006 4:22:21 PM

Dick,,
Assuming your response was to my post on this board perhaps that info and insite should be discussed with new prospective site's that inquire for GPC sanctioning before money is exchanged and promises made.

I can fully see your point and hope you understand that, at the same time at least one sponser out there is left wondering where the "follow through" is that has been promised him.

I and few more experienced growers have made the offer to help get a club going in his area with this very point in mind. If some of those locals want to accept some help in organizing a club they will have it. I for one am hoping they go this route over the winter and get back to me.

Dan B

12/26/2006 4:53:34 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Dan,

Your situation is very unique in that there is NOT a club to serve as GPC liaison to guide the way. It is to this end we are working on a video training tool for ALL site coordinators at ALL sites. The GPC doesn't currently have a travel budget to send a representative to each site. It's a shame that someone volunteered to help & wasn't able to (twice) but there will be resolution. Hopefully before your site pulls out.

12/26/2006 5:23:17 PM