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Rhode Island

I REALIZE THIS MESSAGE WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IF POSTED NEXT JANUARY HOWEVER, ITS NEVER TO EARLY TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT.
NOTING AROUND 150- 175 GROWERS IN ATTENDANCE THIS PAST WEEKEND I COULD NOT HELP BUT WONDER WHY WITH SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF GROWERS (UNDER THE CURRENT 110 GPC WEIGH OFF SITES LISTED), WHY NIAGARAS ATTENDANCE WAS SUCH A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE SITES?
CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY SO FEW IN ATTENDANCE?

THIS WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO
1.LEARN FROM SOME OF THE HOBBIES BEST
2.MEET @ QUIZ TOP GROWERS IN ATTENDANCE
3.VISIT A NATURAL TREASURE SUCH AS NIAGARA FALLS
4.REUNITE AND/OR MEET YOUR BP PALS
5.LASTLY-SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ALL THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OUR GPC STEERING COMMITTEE HAS DONE ON OUR BEHALF.

WITHOUT THE GPC AS OUR FLAG SHIP ORGANIZATION ALL GROWERS AND CLUBS WOULD BE LEFT TO RUB A MUCK LIKE A RUDDERLESS BOAT.WE CERTAINLY DONT WANT THAT TO EVER HAPPENAND. WHEN YOU CONSIDER WHATS ENCOLVED (COST & LABOR)TO PUT ON A BIG SHOW? ONLY TO HAVE A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THOSE IN THE HOBBY ACTUALLY SHOW UP?,ITS CONCERNING TO ME.

PLEASE DONT LET IT COME DOWN TO THAT.IN THE FUTURE I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE, MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO TAKE IN A BIG SHOW WHEN ITS COMES TO YOUR REGION.YOU WILL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL
PAP

3/23/2017 12:50:24 PM

Colorado

Portlands real cool -we plan on driving to it-went to a meeting there in 2006(?)Hows sturgeon fishing in march.

3/23/2017 1:13:41 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

For us down here it just comes down to money, but we are really keen to come to a GPC Big Show, so planning and budgeting is happening, and we'd love to represent NZ.

3/23/2017 2:19:06 PM

NE Arkansas

I still say it needs to be more centralized like Nashville, St Louis, or Kansas City... Not all of us can take off and drive across country... especially the west coast and southern guys...

3/23/2017 2:19:58 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

Excited for Portland in 2018!!

3/23/2017 2:27:49 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I wish I could go to the show. I also wish I could get a 2145. For me it comes down $$, I have far more time than I do money. I would like to suggest that for those of us that can't afford to go or don't have the time. How about doing a live feed of some of the events sort of like they do with boxing matches. Charge $50 dollars for pay per view. I could afford that as I'm sure others could as well. It would also generate money for the event. Just my thoughts...

3/23/2017 2:47:11 PM

Petersburg, Mi

Its an expensive weekend.

3/23/2017 3:30:57 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

I agree Hobbit, I think there is a need for a live feed, even if it is just one talk or presentation, this needs to be looked into. It could be a good funding model possibly, and help promote and bring people closer to the GPC. Especially people that have never been before.

3/23/2017 3:32:00 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Me too KC Kevin! Rumor has it the salmon are biting full speed around the time and we know a good guide or two in that area.:)

3/23/2017 3:53:32 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

A fishin derby is needed.... lol

3/23/2017 4:19:48 PM

Alex, IN

For me it came down to whether I spend my budget on attending the show or spend my budget on growing supplies.

3/23/2017 9:24:57 PM

Galt, CA

I'm excited for Portland
!!

3/23/2017 9:27:43 PM

Ontario

I agree with you wizzy ! The falls is way too expensive for me but I applaud you growers that can go, it's March break and kids hockey too hard for some of us to get away

3/23/2017 9:29:21 PM

Galt, CA

Moving it around the country like an all star game is a great idea! A stationery location in the middle of country doesn't really work, because a huge chunk of the population is on the two coast's

3/23/2017 9:31:07 PM

Galt, CA

The Utah club is live streaming Ron Wallace this Saturday on Facebook!! I hope all clubs do this in the future.

3/23/2017 10:09:07 PM

Walhalla, ND.

When Saturday KingPumpkin?

3/23/2017 11:09:11 PM

Deer Park WA

Hay Pap, would love to attend the BIG SHOW just cant schwing a two week "pumpkin widow" trip to Cozumel and turn around a month later to go to Niagara without pissen off my medical center VP... A pay per view live stream from Nigara would have been well worth it and awesome!
Gotta find that "Work / Pumpkin / Life balance! Portland 2018 we will be there (25 miles away from the patch) Whoo-Whoo!

3/24/2017 1:49:01 AM

Muddy Waters

Bubba will be there! It was nice seeing you Pap!

3/24/2017 5:49:26 AM

Muddy Waters

Pap is right start saving the plane fare now.Its the time of your life! You meet new friends every time you go.I met Marvin Mitchel 20 years ago & Don Van Houtte 19 years ago.This SPORT will bond you for life!

3/24/2017 5:53:13 AM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Thanks PAP
Good things in life are not Cheap. But Worth It.
The GPC needs a good turn out at these events to keep cost down for everyone. We are hope when the event comes to your Region you make time to attend.

3/24/2017 6:54:39 AM

Georgetown, Ontario

There's a few reasons why I didn't go or likely won't go in the future and from talking to others I think lots of people feel the same way. With it always falling during March Break for our Elementary and Secondary Schools here there is too many other things and family obligations going on during that time. The other reason is the cost associated with it. If we have to choose between a pumpkin vacation or a family vacation, unfortunately, with a family I have to choose the latter. Perhaps to help the GPC cover the cost of future conferences they should put together a DVD or web series from the presentations. Would I buy a DVD set of the seminar portion for $50-$100? Absolutely, and I'm sure a lot of others would as well. I know it's not the whole experience but for some of us that can't go it would be a great alternative. As for moving it around the country (and globe) that may actually result in lower numbers at the conference. Rather than travel a far distance some growers may decide to wait until it comes to their area. Moving it around definitely will allow different people to attend that couldn't before but may actually result in lower numbers each year....just a thought. Also perhaps the GPC has over estimated the number of growers that are that serious to actually spend the money to go to a conference. Sure, there are a lot more growers and weigh off sites than ever before but a lot of growers do it strictly as a hobby for fun on a limited budget and I don't think the "Big Show" is something that they want or need to have fun and enjoyment growing pumpkins. Since you asked PAP, that's my observations as to why attendance is so low.

3/24/2017 8:22:50 AM

Mi.

Looking forward to next year had a great time in Niagara

3/24/2017 6:02:31 PM

Grittyville, WA

Pumpkin Shepard is right. The days of travel as a necessity are obsolete and the gpc could make up for lack of long distance travelers with outreach via DVD or streaming video like a church or business conference...

The reason I did not go is: I figure would have cost me $1000 minimum AND I don't have a current passport.

3/25/2017 3:58:58 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

I believe that everyone is presenting good ideas.
Everyone's situation is different with their budget, time & family commitments.
My wife & I went, had a great time & I learned a lot.
I have to agree with the suggestions for a DVD or video feed for those who cannot physically attend would be good but introduces more complexity into what the GPC steering committee has to set up.
Another thing to encourage long distance travelers would be to place long distance travelers into a group for a seed drawing, maybe overseas travelers in 1 group and another group for the US & Canada coasts for this past year for example.
I lack a point of reference, though.
I thought it was fairly well attended but I don't know what attendance at previous Big Shows has been.

3/27/2017 2:34:11 PM

Rhode Island

King

Great idea regarding the LIVE SCREENING from the BIG SHOW.
Not sure of whats involved but sounds like something that should be investigated. Thank you everyone for your commentary.

For everyones information ron is going to do more live screening for club seminars,etc, starting next season
Rons a great teacher, a source of valuable information and experience in this hobby/sport we all love.Your chance to learn from one of the best.

Stay well my friends----our season is fast approaching

Pap Wallace

3/27/2017 4:03:36 PM

Utah

Ron's the best ! He gave a great seminar ! !!!

3/27/2017 6:32:37 PM