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Location

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Date Posted

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

It is that time of year when the weigh offs occur. Some new growers are afraid to bring their pumpkins, as they know how big the competition is. If you have a pumpkin you have to go. This is how you network and learn, form friendships, and get closure to a season well earned.

I know I will never get First Place in one of the worlds largest weigh off sites based on top ten averages. Can I get in the top ten, and score a Howard Dill Award. Yes. If not can I beat my personal best.

9/19/2016 1:56:33 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I brought my first one to Anamosa Pumpkinfest, 176.6# and took last place. But I met the growers, learned a lot and the next year had 633.5#. Since then I have had 3 top 10 places.

It doesn't matter how big or small your pumpkin is, bring it. You are a grower and one of the gang, and will be welcomed.

9/19/2016 3:20:15 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Big or small weigh off day is one of my favorite days of the year!

9/19/2016 3:37:58 PM

Central Illinois

I still remember my first 100 pounder, and you could always have a chance at winning a Howard Dill award

9/19/2016 5:08:55 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I hope to meet many new growers this year. Most of them probably can beat my little weights. Need the satisfaction of an official weight to make the season complete.

9/19/2016 5:09:22 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I always have to bring something to the finish line. 171 lbs smallest official weight for me.

9/19/2016 6:20:30 PM

Central NY

Weighing is the funnest part..that and perpetuating the milk IV myth to all the onlookers...last year I convinced more than one person a long gourd was a giant green bean...fun day..

9/19/2016 7:03:32 PM

Central NY

And don't be afraid to find the person with the biggest pumpkin and shake them down for answers...bug him or her all day long ...they'll spill thier guts...best of luck to all of us !!!...think heavy!!

9/19/2016 7:11:20 PM

Claysburg , PA

Great post !!! Getting a pumpkin to the scales is what it is all about , no matter the size . Sure everyone wants to win but the pumpkin talk is worth it all at the weigh off .
I will never win but just like talking face to face with the growers instead of email .

9/19/2016 8:35:55 PM

Joliet, IL

So true!!! I remember my first weighoff in 2003 like it was just yesterday. Never met a grower in person before that. Brought a 487.5 and 437.5 lb pumpkins thinking I was a big dog. At that time the Illinois record was 679 lbs. After pulling in the 600 pounders looked huge. I knew right then I was hooked. What one person can do, another person can do....or maybe better. Lol. And some of the guys and women I met I am prevlieged to still call great friends. To share the experiences of growing, breaking the ice, meeting people that are more than willing to share every secret they know and wink at ya say, "Come get me. Why not you?"

If on the fence about bringing one to a weigh off or not, I would say do it. Join the sickness and commraderie.

9/19/2016 10:14:06 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

First year grower here. Looking forward to the PGPGA weigh off in Alroona PA on October 1. We'll be taking a 600+ and a 500+ pounder if they make it another 12 days. Both have stopped growing now.

9/19/2016 11:06:27 PM

Muddy Waters

Congrats to all my first was a 520 lber I took to Pt Elgin in 1996.

9/20/2016 9:03:28 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

374lber in 2001

9/20/2016 10:21:33 PM

New Berlin, PA

Shannon hit the nail on the head. Bring whatever you have and be proud of it. Talk to as many other growers as you can, and keep in touch with them. Great way to learn, plus its nice to talk with others that share your excitement for giant pumpkins. Eventually family and co-workers get tired of hearing it. lol

9/21/2016 8:39:02 AM

I. Falls, Minn

Your small one is probably the largest a lot of people have seen. The looks you get when driving around with the pumpkin in the truck is worth the trip. I wish it wasn’t so far and my truck so old. See you this weekend.

9/21/2016 9:53:56 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Also if you are afraid to talk to us, at least come up and introduce yourself. At Stillwater I am normally busy carving something, I like to talk while carving, it helps with the creativity.

9/21/2016 1:25:00 PM

Joliet, IL

My best advice for new growers bringing pumpkins for their first time is bring a small note pad and pen. A smartphone is great but nothing is better than pen to paper on the fly. And most importantly, don't get hung up pumping a grower for lots of intricate details. The key is to get phone numbers or email addresses of good people willing to help you....which in my experience is every grower there. Anyone who grows has been "green" at one point. All good and network contact info first....and talk growing techniques all day mixed in the excitement.

9/21/2016 8:48:18 PM

Joliet, IL

Then with contact info you can work on a game plan all fall, winter and spring with the help of those who been there.

9/21/2016 8:54:15 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Great advice shazzy!

9/21/2016 10:48:18 PM

Connecticut

Even if you are an old/seasoned/mature/experienced/... grower I still encourage people to bring what they grew to a weigh-off. It may not be a personal best, or even be close to your goals, but it is still a pumpkin you grew and it is important to have fun.

Prime example...
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=266213

9/21/2016 11:20:36 PM