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Deer Park, WI

In honor of an event that has most certainly imparted memories for many in the hobby, I'd like to share a few of my own and encourage you to share yours here as well. A small gesture as a thank you to those who contributed to make it reality.

As a greenhorn in the hobby, circa 2001, I sat at a table with Bill Bobier, playing poker, where the currency was 723 and 845....Like a rookie at a high roller's table in Vegas...

It was in Niagara where I personally met Steve Jepson. Rest in Peace.

Upon arriving at the 2003 conference, cozied up to the bar next to Jim Kuhn and newly minted world record holder, Charlie Houghton. Rest in Peace. Both men are pillars of admiration.

Shannon, Casey, Bridget...the WI crew upheld its beery reputation well in Canada.

It has consistently been the event where newbies can rub shoulders with the most accomplished names in the hobby. These conferences taught me just how friendly, approachable, and humble we are as a group of competitive enthusiasts chasing a common goal.

Watching my good friend Chris Stevens accept his orange jacket, seeing Ron Wallace inducted to the HOF, and having the honor to present at the 2011 conference. These are the most potent memories I have associated with this hobby. Priceless.

11/19/2013 7:22:40 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

So nice Joze! and so nice to see you mention Steve. I think I'm gonna miss Jim Kuhn the most - I had a lot of fun with that "elderly gentleman" who loved to share his stories of giant pumpkin growing - I might have to head to NE to get my Kuhn fix now!

I also got to rub shoulders with the orange jacket winners from Ron Wallace in 2007, Joe Jutras in 2008, Jake Van Kooten in 2009,Christy Harp in 2010, Chris Stevens in 2011, Jim (and Kelsey) Bryson in 2012, Ron Wallace again in 2013 - it was great to corral them all into a group photo - Larry Checkon, Steve Daletas, Al Eaton and Todd Kline were others winners that were always on hand but I did not have the honour of presenting their jackets

The WI crew was definitely a fun bunch! You were one of our most popular and informative presenters Joze - I thank you for that! Survey says.... have Joe back!

11/19/2013 7:44:41 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Joe we lost Brigitte in the hallway....and someone stole my secret stash of Honeyweiss..Andy W I know it was you.. Lots of good friends and putting names to faces

11/19/2013 9:53:38 PM

Colorado

Yep,some of Jim Kuhns stories-priceless. Pumpkin seed poker was funnn

11/20/2013 2:06:11 AM

Rhode Island

several years ago Dave Hampton plugged the toilet in his room, freddie maccari has never recovered from the gassing.
as far as i know the room was sealed off for an entire season as well.
lets also not forget the boozing on that sngpg niagara party bus either.if not for jeff we could still be stuck on the side of the ny thruway.
great memories between ottawa and niagara.thanks for the memories to everyone.
pap and ron

11/20/2013 8:51:09 AM

Cameron

What a great event. So many good times that I couldn't list them all here. We met so many nice growers that we now call good friends. We've seen every grower ever inducted into the GPC's Hall of Fame receive their jackets. We've witnessed every grower receiving their Orange/green Jackets or be honored for their other achievements since the late 90s. Jane & I both received our GPC Jackets at Niagara as well. I know that Jane & I will really miss this convention. One highlight that really sticks was meeting Howard Dill.

In the end we would like to thank Port Elgin, Sally & the pumpkinfest crew & all the growers who ever attended the seminar for all the great times & memories that we had in Niagara.

cheers,

Jane & Phil

11/20/2013 9:17:52 AM

Massillon, Ohio

I will always remember my first trip to Niagara. As a newcomer, I waltzed into the convention center with 500 homemade cookies to trade Eddy Z for one 1161 Rodonis seed! How true....everyone was so friendly and I learned so much. I was thrilled to meet Bill Rodonis! Also Don Young...The Wiz...The Biz...Doc Liggett and many others. Growers always say the best part of this hobby is the friendships they make. These posts are a tribute to that.
Thanks Sally for all your time and effort for so many years. You have made a great impact on this hobby and its growers.

11/20/2013 2:06:19 PM

Waquoit Mass

well at least i nuked the room dick your bombs in the van are stuff biological warfare was founded on lol

11/25/2013 9:20:03 AM

Rhode Island

lol we had some great times dave
pap

11/25/2013 2:44:51 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

I remember my first trip up there... In the WiZzzy Hat...I checked in at the counter and there was Larry Checkon standing behind me... Then that BIG guy over there....Its Don Young... Ill never forget... sitting in the bar ran into the IceMelt dude drinkin with Gary Miller, Todd Kline, Eddy IceMelt and askin Todd all about curling Oh the stories... we would hear from Jim Kuhn... priceless....
and those special border crossing with Paul S... he would get so nervous...lol And the best... Master Wallace picking me up at the AP and stopping at the Buffalo Wings to get the party started.... All Priceless...

11/25/2013 4:50:17 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

The year of the Blizzard!!!! I was sicker than a dog but managed to pig out good and propper at that all you can eat meat only place. Staying up late, drinking moonshine (and I dont even drink), and watching it snow. Keeping Sherwood, Leland and I think it was Starr awake all night coughing my lungs out. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

11/26/2013 5:45:37 PM