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Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Just read in watermelon post about auctioning off the entries after the weigh-off. I relate this to our county fair where the beef cattle and hogs are auctioned off after their show.

Are there any pumpkin weigh-offs that do this? A percentage of the auction proceeds could go to help the weigh-off.

John

3/9/2009 9:02:14 PM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

I just discussed this idea with my wife. One thought we had was that it might increase the number of entries (more entry fees) because Little John's beautiful 600 pound pumpkin may not win a prize but it might fetch on auction as much $ as a 1000 pound ugly duckling.

3/9/2009 9:12:33 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

It would have to be up to the participant if his pumpkin was auctioned..and how are you going to get your seeds..

3/9/2009 10:04:59 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Linus, just nailed it...IMHO...most growers want their seeds, especially from a monster!!!! And gettin em back from someone who just wants it for a display is prbly sorta (if not extremely) risky!!! Peace, Wayne
PS....I guess the way to go would be to grow 20 or 30 500#er's and sell em for $1 per pound each!!!! LOL

3/10/2009 12:56:26 AM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Well,
It seems the two replies were negative towards this thought. But there are positives to such an idea.
If a weigh-off thought they could generate money from the site auction for their clubs or weigh-offs or GPC fees then some planning would have to be taken of course.
There are pumpkins being sold already at some weigh-offs to interested people. An auction could generate more income for everyone.
I can't support or condone such an auction because it would be up to the management of the weigh-offs to handle.
It would be their decision. Maybe run the idea by the weigh-off coordinator and/or survey the growers. If there was enough interest I perceive a scenario such as:
The GPGCG decides to auction off after weigh-off.
Of course only those growers who entered can sell their fruit and participate only if they want. An Auction board is displayed for growers to write on before & during the weigh-off listing those pumpkins that are offered for auction with criteria such as 'want seeds returned'. During the weigh-off businesses/individuals that are aware of the auction mosey amongst growers trying to decide what good deals they can get (the auction should generate more entries and spectators/bidders).....more GPGCC money gets generated.
The grower is agreeable to the terms of x% of sale price goes to the GPGCC. The grower feels good because they helped their club, their pumpkin generated a little $ for themselves, and the buyer is happy with having a giant pumpkin to display. After the first year or two it is perceivable that this would be very successful for those involved. As far as seeds are concerned that alone could generate high bids for a buyer interested in a certain cross. As in any auction the seller defines the terms.

3/10/2009 11:02:22 AM

Taber, Alberta

Smoky Lake has an auction after the weigh-off. 1/2 of the proceeds go to the grower, while 1/2 goes to a local charity. The grower has a choice of taking their pumpkin home or auctioning it off. Some growers take part, some don't. I've done it in the past and got a few dollars for gas money, but if I want the seeds, back home with me it goes.

3/10/2009 11:51:27 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

John, didnt want to sound negative to the idea!! Auctioning of Giants for displays at local businesses would/could be a great added fundraising event at any weighoff!! And would be one answer to one question asked a month or so ago, how do we as growers generate $'s from outside of the growing community!!! The only downside, IMO, is how do you insure that the grower gets his seeds back, if that is part of the deal? Harvesting and preserving seeds, and getting them back to the grower in prime condition, takes a certain amount of effort, that is prbly a minor thing to the person who purchased the MONSTER!!! Peace, Wayne

3/11/2009 12:57:09 AM