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Little-TON - Colorado

My name is Gary J Grande you can call me
The WiZ......I am President of the Rocky Mountian Giant Vegetable Growers Org as the founder.
I live and grow in Colorado,a member of the 5280 club.

I have been growing AG's clubmatically now for 7 years.
My personal best is 1000 lbs.
I love Orange, Green, Big and Ugly and helping others GrowZem BIG.

My Brother The BIZ, is current Colorado State Record Champ, my goal this year is 1284 or more, and rather it go on the more side.

2/23/2010 1:00:28 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

My Name is Kenny Watkinson. I live in R.I. Second year grower. I won't tell you what I do for work but I will say I play the Bagpipes and enjoy fishing, Boxing and Football and Travel. This hobby has me!!!!! I hope to get a personal Best of 800 lbs this season.During this journey I've met a lot of people who are not unlike me. Made great friends..Hope to someday be of help to them. Remember the name... lol

2/23/2010 1:25:35 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

My Name is Glenn Peters this season will be my 23rd season growing AG's my P.B. is 1258.8 -- i enjoying fishing and snowmobiling when time warrants and tinkering with my antique tractors.

2/23/2010 4:36:59 PM

Nowhere

My name is John Honaker I live in Dover, Delaware
I am 14 years old and this is my first year growing AG pumpkins, I have a background in Field pumpkin growing for about 9 years... my personal best is currently 20 lbs.
I own a produce market stand here on farm... my goal for AG pumpkins is 300 pounds.....and I wish all my friends a happy 2010 growing year !!! Grow 'EM big!!!!

2/23/2010 4:41:15 PM

[email protected]

Steve Jepsen, co-founder and director emeritus of the CT GS&PGA, New England rep for the GPC. Certified pesticide supervisor since 1988. Arborist since '89. Growing field pumpkins on the farm since '72, AG's only since 2003?

2/23/2010 5:40:17 PM

Berlin,mi.([email protected])

Steve Zuhlke, Berlin,Mi. Started growing in 2005. Grew the 1302 Zuhlke 06 State record. It's been all downhill from there.lol. I do Cad-Cam work and make tooling on wire edm machines. I enjoy coaching my kids in baseball and growing things.

2/23/2010 6:39:12 PM

Winston Salem NC

Rick Holder, Winston Salem, NC. 2009 was my rookie season. Grew the 1258 Holder State record.

2/23/2010 7:30:03 PM

Dundee Michigan

My name is John Harnica,Dundee,Mi. My wife and I host the the Harnica Farms GPC site. I farm full time and been growing for ten years with my son William. I hold the state record at 129" in LG's and we grow giants for color and size. Also grow tall corn, and now tomatoes and watermelons. Our family also grows 10 acres of pumpkins,squash, and gourds.

2/23/2010 7:51:11 PM

Columbus,ohio

My name is Chris Cree. I am 14 years old, live in columbus,ohio, and am a freshman at awesome high school. I keep bees, we just got into alpacas. I have farm envy and eventually want to raise my own food. I have never gotten one to a weigh-off but I will have more room this year. I am also trying giant watermelons.

2/23/2010 8:04:22 PM

Woodburn, Indiana

Kelly Klinker, Site Coordinator for the Indiana Pumpkin Growers Association (IPGA) since '04 or '05, pumpkin grower since '02. Graduate of Indiana University with a B.A in Economics. I did fundraising for IU/PU Fort Wayne campus until the economy tanked and now I'm looking for work. Started brewing my own beer with a buddy from High School. We are up to 6 batches with #2 being our best so far. I also have some classic cars, '65 mustang, '55 ford, '52 chrysler and a '41 wide front oliver 70 tractor.

Personal Best(s)
980 in '09, 863 in '08, 814 in '03.

2/23/2010 8:32:17 PM

Sacramento, Ca

Richard Clark, I fix heating and air conditioning for a living (just took and passed my state contractors license). My hobbies are gardening, designing web sites and working on computers. I was a network engineer for the longest time, HATED it! 2009 was my first year growing AG's, I grew a 309.5. This year, look out!

2/23/2010 9:48:23 PM

Littleton, Colo

Jim Grande "The BiZ" and juzt to make sure there iz no confuzion, I am little brother of "The WiZ".....going into my fourth year of growing and I admit...I AM ADDICTED !!!......Hobbiez waz fizhing and I waz really getting into fly fishing(and tying) until AG'z.........Waz never going to catch a State Record so we thought we'd grow one instead.....Love making all you folkz laugh on BP and have made so many great friendshipz in the lazt few yearz !!! Advertizing and Marketing Director for the RMGVG .....I drive a Toyota not on recall !!LOL.....Biz

2/23/2010 10:23:19 PM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

George Janowiak, president of the Illinois Giant Pumpkin Growers Association.I have been growing since 1993. I have a 1st place plaque from 1996 and two Howard Dill awards 2008 & 2009. Owner of Gem Ponds Inc. Building backyard water-features so you can vacation at home. Find us on facebook.. lol

2/23/2010 10:45:28 PM

Bloomington, IN

Brian Morrison, Bloomington, IN. Love gardening. Last year was my first year growing AGs. My pb is 352 and my goal for this year is to double it, so 704. I would happily settle for 1000, however. :)

2/23/2010 10:49:40 PM

Anchorage, Alaska

Brian Newman, 3rd year Biology major in Springfield, MO. I am a research assistant in the physics department. Also, I do additional work for the state extension office as a master gardener, and make pancakes at church.

First AG 250lbs in '08, Alaska in '09, 800+ 2010!

2/23/2010 11:42:27 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

My name is Ryan Ewing. Late 20's. Board of Directors PNWGPG since '08. BA in Science, Technology and the Environment, from the UNIVERSITY of WASHINGTON. Specializing in Bio-Solids treatment and Wastewater Management. 535,549,558,682,776,890,991,1182

2/24/2010 12:15:11 AM

Ohio

Hi, Im Brooks Bosworth, and Im from Ohio, I enjoy water polo and crocheting sweaters , I play bingo every night and love to sing Christmas carols.
Im with a band at a old folks home that is becoming very popular that we hope to hit it big some day, and will if George who plays the maracas and Benny who plays the tambourines gets over their shingles. Our singer is Erma who is starting to forget the words to songs, but we can get past that by her lip sinking when she takes her teeth out.
Im also the person who rings the bell in front of the Wal Marts around Christmas time that collects money for the Salvation Army , and that I can honestly say that I only took a few bucks out of the bucket to buy a coffee because it was so cold outside,, and well,,, used the money for a few other things that I can assure you that didnt cost all the much, cause after all I am the one standing outside in zero temps right? And I also love to grow pumpkins.

.

2/24/2010 4:41:45 AM

Netherlands

Bradley Wursten - English teacher / author educational books. Have been growing giant veg off and on since 1987, since 2004 especially on. Have been growing about 15-20 types of giant veg each year for the past few years. Few world records, few national records, many failures. Especially like marrows, squash and beetroots. Board member EGVGA.

2/24/2010 4:43:53 AM

Glosta

My name is Bryan Langley I'm a 34 year old Engineering technician. I am from Gloucester Ma, My PB is 90 lbs. This will be my second year growing AG's. I grow 100% organic. My goal is to hold the Mass record in Pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and LG's. Oh and I want the GPC Master Gardener award too. I figured I'd try not to set to lofty of a goal.

2/24/2010 4:51:41 AM

Peru Indiana

in kristen irwin. this is my 2nd real year growing. i say real because ive only had good seeds sence last year. i breed fish for a liveing. not to exciteing but it works. my hubbys name is kelly and he thinks im nutts. he may be right but oh well. my goal is to get the rym and rithem down to growing pumpkins so i can grow other peoples pumpkins. try out the next gen and see what the seeds that everyone else didnt want to grow, will do.i have 2 dogs. one is a giant. what can i say i love it big!

2/24/2010 5:31:52 AM

Rhode Island

i have been growing over twenty years now and will continue until i no longer can do so. ( its the chase that matters more than the finish, even tho we would all like to win )

ron nad i enjoy the competirion along with friendships made over the years however,our best feeling is seeing someone be successful that we have helped along the way.

i am retired now but spent a large part of my adult life as a manufacturing/production mgr for leviton mfg company.

i enjoy my roll as orange angels founder. its a great feeling to know you made someones day better.
we have served many needy children thanks to the generosity of growers and friends.
this fall the OAF is shifting gears a bit and will help needy families through the local welfare office and families and/or women and children living in shelters.the holidays are especially hard on the needy. pap

2/24/2010 6:20:21 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Jane & Phil Hunt. We have been growing together since the early 90s. Our PB is 1678# pumpkin, 207.6# watermelon & a 61# cabbage. We have made so many new friends since we started growing.

We are two of the founders of the GVGO, Jane as Tresurer & myself as President. I have now stepped down as President to a Regional Rep position. My wife is an accountant for Crayola Crayons & I'm an injured worker & don't work anymore.

We donate most of our seeds each year to our local growers club for their fundraisers. This year our seed (1678 Hunt) raised just under $2000 for our club. Most of which went to the GVGO's Haiti Relief Fund. We also like to support the many growers clubs with seed donations when possible. One last thing we like to do is to mentor 2-3 growers each year & help them reach their goals. We get a real thrill when they reach a new PB.

2/24/2010 7:00:12 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

Hi everyone! My name is Alex McCracken, I live in Southeast PA with my wife Jenn and our rottweilers Esther and Ella. I have a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Delaware Valley College and have been into gardening since I was a kid. We run an organic gardening business in this area called The Turnip Truck, mostly taking care of people's gardens on their properties (there are quite a few wealthy people in Bucks County). Our home garden covers a quarter acre, pumpkin patch included. I am a huge Philadelphia Phillies fan and can't stand the Yankees (lol)! My nickname refers only to my physical resemblance to Jesus especially in the winter when I grow a beard and is meant to be funny, so I hope everyone takes it that way! I will turn 40 years old (yikes!) on June 29th and would like as my birthday present to be pollinating my first 1,000 pounder that day! This will be my third year growing AGs with top genetics, have yet to get one to a weigh-off but had one last year reach an estimated 505 when stem rot took it down in late August. I believe I am hooked on giant pumpkins for life and my wife is a saint for putting up with it!

2/24/2010 8:29:13 AM

Colorado Springs, CO

My name is Ross Krummel, 57, here in C/S at 6840 ft. of elevation. Shorter growing season than probably all who have posted in this thread so far. Hail is our greatest weather threat here. Been growing stuff for 29 years, tomatoes are my specialty. Degreed geologist with oil and gas explor. experience, but that work was from '75 to '86. Have a 6th sense about soils. - - Work now as sales mgr. for Soil Mender Products (TX), at soilmender.com , and serve our distributors in CO, NM, AZ, UT and ID. We are not in the chemical business.

First season for big 'kins was '08, with my first female flower manually pollinated on July 1st and carrying that to Oct. 3rd and 190#. Plant was lush green and fruit was y-orange and all healthy from start to finish with no insects and no mildew, and no conflicting chemical compounds used during the season. Then 2009 had a colder spring, a rainier, cloudier and colder May and June, a late start to transplant, and too much shade upon vines by tall sunflowers and corn. The bummer of high elevation gardening. Likewise, I simply have lesser sq.ftg. for ideal pumpkins !....unless I don't plant the many other things customary to my garden.

Acquired a 1689 Jutras '07 and a 1725 Harp '09 in club's auction recently. What are my chances......?

2/24/2010 10:57:18 AM

Massillon, Ohio

I'm Christy (Dieffenbaugher) Harp and am 27 yrs old. I teach HS math and coach cross country but am taking the next 2 years off working to have a baby (BOY!!). They are saving me a "position I am qualified for" so I'll cross my fingers it won't be @ the middle school.

I like running, gymnastics, bells, barns, cross country skiing, ice skating, mountains, geocaching, driving in the country, wishing I lived in the country, and wishing I had a farm.

I've been growing "seriously" since 2002 and attemping to beat my husband every year (some years go better than others in that department).

2/24/2010 12:02:24 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

My name is Donald Williamson I'm 57 years of age. My wife and I with our Son run a small Heating & Cooling bussiness in N.W. Indiana. My grandson(kurty 8 years of age) wasn't taking his parents divorce well. The smile on his face when I asked him if he wanted to grow a really big pumpkin was unforgetable. 2009 was our first year and produce a 568 Lb. Ag. My goal is to keep a smile on his face.

2/24/2010 12:06:28 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Christy, You wish you had a farm! lol! You're a Farmer if I ever seen one. And yes you did beat your husband..lol and the rest of the pumpkin growing realm!!LOL

2/24/2010 12:22:00 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

My name is Mark McWilliams,I am 55 yrs old and a native Iowan. My last name may be Scots-Irish but I am half Norwegian, hence the nickname. I have been a soil conservation technician for USDA-NRCS in Anamosa for 27 years. My wife and I have 12 acres outside of town in a deep wooded valley. We have excellent soil, but the limited sunlight, cool humid micro-climate, occassional floods and abundant wildlife make gardening a challenge. My son Jacob has grown pumpkins with me since 2004. My personal best was 841#, which took 8th place in the super wet year of 2008. Jacob beats me about every other year. His official personal best is 568.5, but he had one near 1000# that split a week before weighoff in 2007. My wife is a nurse and stays out of the garden because she sunburns too easily. My daughter is a cook/baker at a hospital in Cedar Rapids.

My health problems (asthma, arthritis, torn tendons, etc.) make pumpkin growing difficult at times, but Jacob has been a real help. And I'm not about to give up yet. I imagine that I will keep planting pumpkins until the undertaker plants me.

2/24/2010 1:33:46 PM

norway , maine

My name is Michael Adams but everybody calls me Mitch...Dad and I have same name and mom gave me the nick name.I am 34yrs.old and like baseball, fishing, music, Jeopardy, movies, fantasy baseball, giant pumpkins, using my outside voice inside, the spelling and pronunciation of colonel, Nat.Geo.magazine and reading the grower diaries here on BP.
A pack of burpee prize winner hybrids from walmarts in 2008 got me interested in giant pumpkins. Searching for info on pumpkins led me to this site. I hope to grow a 1000 #er...in this lifetime.
Good luck to all in 2010 thank you -Mitch

2/24/2010 2:59:49 PM

Bethel Ohio

HEy Yu'all...I'm Paul Tackett. I am in s. Ohio, 35 miles sse. of Cincinnati. I am a 2nd year grower, my best last year was 609# which placed 2nd. at Iowa state fair. I attended 7 weighoffs last year, and took fruit to 6. I am 62 1/2 years old, retired disabled from Boilermaker's Local 105. I love traveling to w-o's, and hope to visit as many as my health will allow this year. I am active member of SOGPG, and also belong to OVGPG, and Egvga. Good growing to all

2/24/2010 3:56:53 PM

ipswich, ma usa

My name is John Doucet, 38, and live in Ipswich MA (7 miles north of the Topsfield Fair grounds), I have a wife and two year old daughter. I'm a big Van Halen fan hence the 5150 and have played the drums for years (Mostly Metal). I have been growing since 2002 with a best of 1154.8 taking 9th place at the Topsfield Fair. I help coordinate and run the Topsfield weigh off each year and am one of the directors of the NEGPGA. Have been going to Niagara since 2002 and will continue to! I have worked in the defense industry for the past 16 years doing stuff :).

2/24/2010 5:11:32 PM

Frankfort Ohio

hi im Jamie Drum im 27 been growing 2 years last year was first real attempt i work for Riffle machine we do work for Kenworth truck company p.b. is 487 est hope to make it to a W.o this year shooting for Howard dill award

2/24/2010 5:17:35 PM

Columbus Ohio

I am John Maston, Columbus Ohio. I work for an Engineering and survey company. I grow with my best friend, Gus "Squash Carver" Smithhisler. We have grow together the past 2 year. Last year we has a PB of 1056, then a new PB at 1063.5, and then a new PB at 1098. The funny thing is that the estimated weights went down for each of those. We had 20 plants, going to cut back this year to 10 and take a little time for ourselves. lol

2/24/2010 5:58:31 PM

Burton, Ohio

Bill Detweiler, residing in northeastern (snowbelt country) Ohio. I just turned 65 and have been growing for two years with PB being 365 but have aquired knowledge and some of the latest technology to help me in the future. I work as a development lab technician responsible for the day-to-day lab operations at Excel Polymers, LLC, the worlds largest rubber compounding manufacturer. My goal is 1000# this year and I aquired some good seeds to help me get there. Watching AG pumpkins grow is awesome!

2/24/2010 7:13:39 PM

Jericho Vermont

John Young 45 years young from Vermont. I work as a grant writer and employment counselor for the Vermont department of labor. My sons grow with me and this year my wife kerry will be getting into the hobby as well. This will be my 14th season growing AG's and my pb is 1009 pounds and our longest lg is 110".

2/24/2010 7:53:33 PM

Finksburg, Md

Hi, my name is Joe Zgorski I am 48 and a project manager for a construction company. I live in Finksburg, Maryland about 30 minutes north west of Baltimore. I am a big Ravens and Orioles fan. Along with gardening I enjoy wood working, fishing, running, kayaking, golfing and almost anything outdoors. This will be my first year with quality seeds. Can't wait for Spring!

2/24/2010 7:56:15 PM

Ontario

Bryan Mailey (middle name Patrick), hence BPMailey, not Big Pumpkin Mailey...but now that I am hooked on this crazy hobby, kinda works for me. I am a 46 year old Mech Eng Technologist, and have owned and operated my own predictive maintenance company for the past 17 years. We specialize in vibration analysis and infrared thermography servicing primarily the pulp and paper industry. I have two beautiful daughters, turning 15 and 17 in March. My love for gardening started about 18 years ago, with garlic being my main crop. I now spend a few weekends a year teaching people how to braid hardneck garlic at local fairs and festivals. This will be my 3rd year growing AG's, 2nd competively, with 931 lbs as my PB, grown last year on my own seed from 2008. Last year I joined the GVGO, met a great bunch of people, and was lucky enough to land Phil Hunt as my mentor....this year my goal is to make him proud and join the 1000 lber club...

Cheers...

2/24/2010 8:14:10 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

Bill Rodonis going on 67. Worked my father's farm all my life with my brother. In 03 raised my first giant pumpkin ( 317lb ) The following year 1000lb. I have certain disabilites that slow me down. My wife Linda and I grow together and have fun doing it.
Linda and I also buy coats for the NH OAF and distribute them localy.

2/24/2010 8:33:47 PM

South Dakota

Hi! My name is Kevin Marsh. I am 38yrs old.I live in rural South Dakota. I am married with 4 kids. I farm with my dad and brother. I also work as a substitute mail carrier for the post office. I enjoy growing giant pumpkins and I am very happy with all the new friends I have met through growing pumpkins!

2/24/2010 9:00:48 PM

Joliet, IL

hi my name is jeff shenoha, and yes i am a giant pumpkin addict. no one has called me jeff but my mom, dad, or my boss since i been 16 years old. shaz or shazzy will do which is a nickname from high school football. i am a 43 old year bachelor with a degree in marketing that works for an engineering firm as a quality control technician for commercial construction. this will be my 8th season growing ags. my hobbies include budweiser, jagerbombs...wait excuse me...my hobbies revolve around budweisers and jagerbombs. i like playing league or cash games in darts and challenge any grower passing along I 80 to stop in at Bobby's Tap at 1107 plainfield rd. in Joliet IL for a game. budweisers or beers of choice on me. i am a gracious loser, but a real obnoxious jackass of a winner that has gloating down to an art style. try me.

2/24/2010 9:37:04 PM

Las Cruces NM

I'm Al … BS SIU, MS BU, and a half dozen universities and colleges in between, 14 years worth. So educated not debatable, intelligence is debatable. I’m a scientist at heart and by trade – I experiment! I was born in Michigan but grew up in Auburn Wa and have lived in many states and countries since. I now reside for 2nd time in New Mexico (but always called home) in desert community of Las Cruces . My parents were horticulturists, reportedly able to grow hair on a cue ball – while I’m sure then never did that, I’m sure they could. And I did learn a lot from them, certainly more then they though I did, albeit not all the Latin. And having been raised with plants, some called it a jungle, a bit of that rubbed off on me. Curbits has always been a big fascination (deny addiction). Was the first plant I remember growing and I grew them often, including Dills AGs, but for all the folks here, I’m truly a 2010 rookie! Did I mention I experiment? OK ...

2/24/2010 10:27:04 PM

Parker, Co

My name is Pete Glasier and I am older than dirt,80, and have been growing giant pumpkins for about 30 years. I was born and raised in Colorado, have been a farmer all my life. I had a roadside produce stand in Denver and a pumpkin patch for the kids to come pick out their Halloween pumpkins. My Giant pumpkin odyssey took me to Sequim, Wa. where my wife Cindi and I introduced Boom Boom to the pumpkin growing cult. Then we went to Shedd, Oregon and Finally to Napa, California. I will grow the Giants as long as I am able physically and mentally. After all the years of growing AG's I still am amazed at the way they grow!The best part is all the great people I have met and all the doors that have been opened. An incredible journey!

2/24/2010 11:27:02 PM

Johnston, R.I.

Norm Gansert here..I am 60 years old and staring down forced early retirement seeing my job of 41 years is moving over seas. I have been growing for about the last 10 years, and I am an orange junkie.. I enjoy skiing and hiking and most outdoor activities.....

2/25/2010 12:34:49 AM

Ohio

lol Pete!!!!! you sure wouldnt know you was 80 thats for sure! Hope Im in your kind of shape when im 80!

2/25/2010 7:55:00 AM

Ohio

Hell, for that matter,,wish i was in your shape now,,,,LOL

2/25/2010 7:57:41 AM

Minnesota

Richard Brouillard, 3rd yr. 237pb, flatvine & snapped main vine last year year, was able to get 224lbs. Married, wife in school, two boys 8 & 9 purple and blue belts in Kung Fu. Working on 9th gallon of blood donating at the Red Cross. Have fun growing pumpkins, not much room but I still enjoy it, wife says she likes it because she no's I'm not at the bar chasing around woman. Decided to not grow one of my seeds and try and grow a Orange one this year also. laid off after 15 yrs. in the army reserve, will find out shortly if I will deployed for Iraq or not. Like excersize, running, weights, fishing, eating. Also addicted to growing giant pumpkins.

2/25/2010 8:31:04 AM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

Ron Barker 46 got cot up in growing from my wifes cousin Brad Perham. have been growing for 5 years now C.R.B. stands for Connie (Wife) Breana (daughter) and myself. My PB is 1191 last year. my other hobbies are Bowling and Baseball Football Basketball Running. Used to play all those untill my 5 knee surgery kinda gave me the hint that it was time to quit and do something else. I am the current PreZ of the PNWGPG and also put together the auctions for our club. I currently work the overnight shift(11pm -6 AM) as a quality inspecter at Boeing commercial Airplanes. Been working here for 22 years. I love coming home in the months of early July to see what has or will open up for me that day. It is nice to have a cousin growing and competing with, now if I could only beat him at this it would be cool. Goal this year would hope fully be a ST record or a top finish at a major weigh off.

2/25/2010 8:34:30 AM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

"caught up"

2/25/2010 8:35:12 AM

Bethlehem CT

My name is John Ciesielski, I am 35 years old and I am an estate gardener/caretaker for a large property in Northwestern CT. I love gardening and farming. Things that are important to me; faith, family, and friends, and growing. Hopefully in that order too. I have been growing seriously since 2,007. I love the big and orange, but also have love for the gray and green. Slowly but surely I am starting to appreciate the big ugly ones. (the ones only a parent could love.)

2/25/2010 8:39:25 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Hi, I'm Glenna Rea. I work in our family-owned custom home building business. I've grown pumpkins for many years....this will be year 5 for the giants, with my PB of 1152.

My grandkids, great nieces & nephews love the pumpkin patch, and are the reason for our "Punkin Pickin' Party" each fall, where we give away several hundred pumpkins.

I also enjoy photography and cooking....desserts are my specialty. Yeah! Cookies too!!

2/25/2010 10:06:45 AM

[email protected]

my name is Eddy Zaychkowsky, I am a carpenter by trade, I have been involved in construction for 35 years, I own and run 2 company's. I am 53 years old, married for 33 years, 2 children (now adults) and 2 grand children.
I've grown pumpkins for 7 years PB is 1011.
I've been know to have Diarrhea of the mouth from time to time.

2/25/2010 10:16:27 AM

my name is secret. im learning to grow pumpkins from may till mid oct. then rest if year im learning how to shovel snow

2/25/2010 10:39:47 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

LOL! Don............

2/25/2010 10:50:59 AM

Perry Iowa USA

Marlene Kuhn-Kolache is a monumental Czech pastry (I'm 100% Czech)Been growing for a long time with little success growing big.Started in my back yard when I learned about svb and after I pulled a few out of the vines switched patches.My sisters and I have a family farm which was 30 miles away and had no running H2O or electricity.Have been a nurse and a widow raising 2 now adult sons and could only get to the patch weekly.Mainly grew prizewinners with a few ag's I purchased from catalogues.Got remarried 2 yrs ago and moved to Perry and started a new patch again without H2O or electricity but not far away.Still grow prizewinners to give away and 2-3 ag's.Don young has mentored me and I'm working on a gaspowered irrigation system this year.

2/25/2010 11:25:47 AM

Port Alberni, BC, Canada

Jake van Kooten, retired papermaker. Married to Elaine for 47 years. Two daughters and four grandsons. I've been growing pumpkins for about 38 years. Thinking about retiring from growing so the wife and I can start having summer holidays.

2/25/2010 11:30:57 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Jake don't do that.. A pumpkin Grower never retires they just take breaks. if you where to retire the pumpkin growing world would lose out.

2/25/2010 12:38:21 PM

Mulino, Oregon

My name is Jim Sherwood, current President of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers and board member of the GPC. I've been growing for 10 years now. I am an arborist and sales manager for a tree care company in Portland, Oregon. I have been married to my wife, Lori, for going on 28 years and we have 1 son, Andrew, age 12.

2/25/2010 12:57:49 PM

Nowhere

don doesnt know pumpkin from squash......lol

2/25/2010 3:23:50 PM

Griswold, Ct

Jim Fletcher I am 32 and is 2nd year growing pumpkins first year with AG's. Been in in CT for almost 3 years now. I work for Eletric Boat, I have two young boys 3&6 and enjoy gardeneing, hunting and drinking beer..lol.

2/25/2010 6:18:37 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

I am called captain cold weather. but my nick name is aaron. I have been growing pumpkins since 2001 my bp set a long time ago is 453.I have over 100 ribbons from vegie growing and 3 from pumpkins gpc ya

I do the naked pumpkin run every halloween, and 2 polar plunges a yr. I served my country and a proud American, but one topic I will talk all night about is pumpkins.
While pumpkins are important growing red cabbage for competition is my priority.I have won grand champion at the fair since 2004. While I am not a heavy hitter. My ribbons show that i love what i do.

2/25/2010 6:34:36 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Hi, I'm Sally Hunt from Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada and work for Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce. Besides being a member of the team of three that works year-round to ensure our weigh-off event is a success I am also responsible for coordinating Canada Day Fireworks, Labour Day fireworks, Santa Claus parades for two different communities as well as other scattered events such as golf tournaments, job fairs, New Year's Eve parties, networking opportunites, etc. All that being said, I am looking forward to my semi-retirement in June of this year so that I can concentrate more of my time to the growing of AGs. I caught the bug the first year I attended the Niagara convention and so far, I have not been very successful as there just hasn't been time with my busy lifestyle. I have been married for nine years to my hubby Rick and we have no kids.

2/25/2010 6:40:49 PM

Southeastkansas

Diana Sigel, live near Emporia, Kansas. I saw my first giant pumpkins back in the early 70's in Nova Scotia. I grew my first Atlantic Giants last year (2009) and am totally and irreversibly hooked. My husband and I farm together, I used to be in charge of farrowing about 8- to 10-thousand baby pigs a year. Now we custom finish--no farrowing--so I'm a displaced worker most of the time, except when it's time to work ground or harvest. I'm 64 years old, have survived 5 heart attacks, and have a whole batch of stents in my heart (is that some weird claim to fame or what?) I thought growing pumpkins would be a good stress reliever. What a laugh that turned out to be! This is a high-stress hobby! Despite being hailed out no less than four times last year, I grew a 459 lb pumpkin. My goal is to set a record in Kansas. First. Then the world!

2/25/2010 6:45:44 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Is Christy the only woman who will admit her age?

2/25/2010 8:03:24 PM

canal winchester ohio

Paul Huffer, everyone calls me Huff thus the nickname. someone says " who's pumpkin is that" oh, that's huffspumpkin. I grew years ago when I was a teenager ( the 70's) and quit when I got to high school & started working. In 1998 for some reason Bob Liggett gave my father in law some seeds & he gave them to me. I said "what the Hell" & now I'm hooked again. I used to be a truck driver for Roadway Express before a OTJ accident ended that 2 years ago. I know chauffeur my 2 boys around ( 15 & 12) & am conseil to my dogs, I make sure they go out to pee & feed them.

2/25/2010 8:08:30 PM

Middle TN

Tammy Washer. Im 39 years old and live in Middle Tennessee. Im a housewife, married for 20 yrs. My husband has learned to tolerate what he conciders my odd hobbies haha I love halloween and do a haunted house every year. I also do party planning for several halloween parties. I have a 16 yr old son and a 13 yr old daughter.
This will be my first 'real' attempt at growing an AG. I grew a 40+ pounder in a flower bed last year! LOL

2/25/2010 9:27:08 PM

Eastern Washington State

I'm Brian, Coming up on 40 years of age already, how'd that happen? Wish I could have a larger garden with more than 6" of topsoil with a longer growing season. Won't be setting any records, but growing these AMAZING plants is so much FUN! They really are remarkable. I work as a research scientist (PhD in Biochemistry, but am more of a molecular biologist). If I ever buy a lottery ticket (which will win, of course), the money will be spent finding out how these plants do their stuff.

2/25/2010 10:41:06 PM

Waterville, Ohio

My name is David Hertzfeld, I live in Waterville, Ohio and work for a large appliance retailer. I am also a full time college student, with hopes to become a park ranger or game warden for the state of Ohio.
This will be my 2nd year trying at Atlantic Giant's, Last year I grew 2 pumpkins one offically at 344 and the other est. 350. I'm excited for the 2010 season and the people I meet along the way.

2/26/2010 12:10:53 PM

So. Maine

Al Berard current President of MePGO , Maine Giant Pumpkin Growers Organization 56 years young , married 36 plus , 2 Sons 31 & 29 , 1 Grandson 5 , retired in 2008 after 32 years overhauling / repairing of USN Nuclear Subs . Started growing AG's in 1990 , been known to grow MORE than 3 plants , might be the record holder of SVB kills with 244 last season .PB 978 lbs. We've made Ton's of great friends along the way and look forward to many more. WHEN IS THE NEXT CRUISE ? I'm HUNGRY !

2/27/2010 9:33:49 PM

Sioux Falls SD

Hi, I’m George Witter, live in eastern South Dakota. Younger than I should be at 79, have one son and two grandsons. Like a lot of us older guys, I have two stints and two steel knees. Self employed, retail trade and accounting all my life, retired for the most part, can’t seem to get away from a little tax work.
Hunting, Fishing, and Gardening have been an important part of my life. Have planted a store bought package of AG seeds for years; raise them for the neighborhood kids.
Never know that there was a group of you guys growing these really big ones, until this fall, when one of you told me about the WEB-SITE. I’ve really have enjoyed the auction. Well try some better genetics this year.

2/27/2010 10:32:32 PM

Prestonsburg,ky

My name is Dwight Slone,43 years old and am married. I live in Prestonsburg,Kentucky. I am gas department supervisior for a local utilities company, I have work there for 14 1/2 years. This will be my third year growing gaint pumpkins. I grew the Kentucky State record of 1278.5 lbs which is my pb. I like any kind of sport.

2/28/2010 10:16:26 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Deb Rebel, end of the OK panhandle in Boise City. 2010 will be 44th year gardening and 3rd at AG's. I've moved southwards from Canadian Border with almost two decades in Colorado Springs; so I understand altitude growing...sorta. Prez of the P&T Grower Club, involved with the County Fair Board, Chamber of Commerce... Boise City Garden Club, Trails of Thread quilting club and the Red Hats (Cimarron Cuties). Bust mine for Tomato Weighoff and the Five State Cimarron (pumpkin) Weighoff. Married for 28 years, just fourlegged furkids. I used to raise dwarf campbell and syrian hamsters, and gerbils... still have ponds, waterlilies and koi; day job is contract artist, in several mediums. I took a break-this year I'm back to work. I'm ordained but do not have a congregation at present. Hobbies include rockhound, astronomy, collecting geraniums, semperviviums, sedums, and sewing/quilting. Main sports lately have been pond mucking, weeding, and in winter trying to catch up during 'indoor growing season' on stuff like housework. Member SNGPG, EVGVA, GVGO, P&T.

3/1/2010 3:52:09 AM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

Bill Timmons,semi-retired teacher, university and high school, now working part-time as a faculty-advisor in the Ed faculty of St.F.X.U....Married for 38 yrs. We have 3 kids and 5 grandsons. I love hockey and have been involved coaching and managing teams at several levels for too long! Started growing AG's many years ago when Howard Dill gave me some Skow-King squash seeds to try...have yet to break the 1000 lb level...perhaps this year!! The last few years I have been giving out lots of seeds to my student-teachers for their individual classes. Hopefully a whole new generation of AG growers will soon be making their mark in this area.

3/7/2010 4:27:23 PM

Torrance, Ca.

My name is Chris,been gardening my whole life.Married with 5 kids,4 boys and our newest addition,"baby Faith"we finally got our baby girl!Been growing pumpkins(big macs)for about ten years and every year have a few 35 to 60lbers.Thought that was a big one until someone bought me the,"Grow Your Own Giant Pumpkin Kit" which comes with a couple seeds.Last year we grew them and with just water and not much else I grew a 167lber!!!Twice as big as anything else I had ever grown and I was hooked!!I found Big Pumpkins,I started reading everything I could get my hands on,I think I've read every diary(twice),the whole garden is now one big patch,a few orders from Tom P. the list goes on and on!So this is my first real year and I can hardly contain myself!!!!!Much cooler weather here then most but I'm all in this year and ready for the madness!!!!

3/7/2012 10:13:41 PM