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On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Are you out there Pap? How about you, Dave Stelts? And, of course, the ever present Ray Waterman. Several weeks ago I posted about the future and the direction of the GPC. There were lots of comments and most were very positive. Most people are happy with things as is. Few took a long term view. Over the years we have all witnessed the comments of the Green Squash People. (They ultimately got a Green Jacket to quiet them down a bit.) More recently the Watermelon People have spoken out. I am now probably more one of the Tomato People (Red Jacket in future?) Can the Long Gourd People, The Tall Corn People, the Canteloupe People, and possibly the Onion People and. who knows, the Long Bean People be far behind? To keep this short, with things moving as they are, sections in the GPC should be set up for each of these vegetables and more sections added as the need arises. And, if that is so, should not some consideration be given to changing the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth's name to, now get this, The International Giant Vegetable Grower's Association or something like it since the name may not be available. We are now worldwide and there are people interested in other veggies as well as pumpkins,though that is likely to be the heart and soul of any giant vegetable organization. Lets hear some ideas. Any change has to start somewhere. Hell, I have even seen Pap looking for some tomato plants. LOL.

2/1/2011 9:51:14 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

OOPS. Forgot to sign.
Marv aka Lubadub.

2/1/2011 9:53:27 AM

Knopp, Germany

Maybe someone should start the Giant Watermelon Commonwealth GWC or Giant Carrot Commenwealth GCC?

I do not think that the present GPC should be held responsible for the future of other giant vegetables. They have more then enough on their plate.

The GPC started somewhere, let the GWC and GCC have the growers that are the most interested here starrt their own movement.

When the GWC and GCC have their own board and committee then perhaps they can coordinate and work with the GPC?

Great topic Marv, i hope it gets the proper and respectful consideration.

Owen

2/1/2011 11:07:18 AM

Coupeville WA

Great PUMPKIN Commonwealth
I try to stay out of a lot of the political stuff, but I don't understand why it is an organizations responsibilty to recognize other groups when they have established themselves as a pumkin group.

2/1/2011 11:33:06 AM

Coupeville WA

Sorry, I should have read Owen's post. I think we are saying the same thing.

Phil

2/1/2011 11:33:53 AM

Lexington,IN

I think it boils down to two things, money and interest. Like everywhere else, the monies that were there in years past have declined. It is called the GPC so other veggie prizes were dropped or reduced rather than hurting the pumpkin prize structure. Then there's interest, those running the GPC are not big melon growers, they grow pumpkins so their interest is in pumpkins. No one is there to fight for watermelons, carrots or whatever. I would like to see a separate organization for watermelons, but that's a long road that would require good continuing sponsorship. Something hard to come by these days...

2/1/2011 12:39:05 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I have nothing against growing a tomato or watermellon, but Great PUMPKIN Commonwealth has the proper ring to it. Between the long gourds, watermellon and tomato, not one of these classes had recorded entries exceeding 165 fruit in 2010. Why would you change the name or focus of the group in order to cater to minorities?

2/1/2011 1:04:55 PM

canal winchester ohio

Marv, while I love trying to get the largest tomato & have enjoyed growing the greenies it is the Giant Pumpkin CommonWealth. And while it is a nice gesture for the GPC to award smaller prizes for other veggies do they really need to? The Green Jacket was not a token by the GPC to quite squashers down because it is privately run award. If there will ever be a red jacket for the largest tomatoe or a striped green jacket for giant melons it will probably have to come from a seperate group just as Glen Andrews does with the Green Jacket award for the largest squash.
It would be perfectly fine with me if the GPC only done giant pumpkins as it is the Giant Pumpkin CommonWealth.
Might a seperate group from the GPC start the The International Giant Vegetable Grower's Association . Why push upon the GPC something they don't need to keep it afloat. If you step "outside" of our world & look at it from that angle I don't think you would have the same opinion. While the non-growing general public "might" be blown away by a possible 300 lb watermelon the general public won't have the same opinion of a giant tomatoe,onion,long gourd ect. I know that might be hard to believe but 98% of the public don't share our love for it & marketing it towards that 98% ( because that's where sponsership money comes from) might be very difficult.
Then again as usual I could be completely off base.
Paul

2/1/2011 1:07:41 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Please note that I am only bringing up the issue and have not yet given any opinion about how I think it should go.
Marv

2/1/2011 3:12:04 PM

Frankfort Oh

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww-I think I`m going to take a nap

2/1/2011 5:36:04 PM

Woodburn, Indiana

"The Wells Fargo Great Tomato Showdown"

2/1/2011 5:38:12 PM

Muddy Waters

I think the GPC name should stay.Its there original name.The NAACP has changed to the NAAAA.I would gladly start the GWC,but I dont want to step on anybodys toes,My thinking is to Unite & work as a team for all veggies,If GPC is overloaded we can spin off with out competing.Or have a sub-group to handle these catagories so the work is shared,and not dumped on people with no interest in Melons or [email protected]

2/2/2011 7:48:17 AM

Rhode Island

THE GPC MUST GO????????????????????????

IM SURPRIZED AT YOU FOR SUCH A STRONG COMMENT MARVIN. YOU WERE ALWAYS A BIG SUPPORTER OF THE GPC?

PERSONALLY? I THINK DAVE AND HIS STAFF ARE DOING A GOOD JOB AND HAVE ENOUGH ON THEIR VOLUNTEER PLATES AT PRESENT.
BESIDES, THATS WHY ITS CALLED " THE GREAT PUMPKIN COMMONWEALTH". ITS ALL ABOUT THE PUMPKINS. PERIOD

PAP

PAP

2/2/2011 7:58:13 AM

Long Island,New York

You don't even have to change the logo or the letters GPC....just slip in : Giant Phruit Commonwealth......

2/2/2011 8:11:08 AM

Cameron

Hey Kelly. Here we have the "Great Tomato Hunt" in Toronto, but it's earlier in the summer.

The orange jacket was a Canadian award for Canada's largest pumpkin years ago before the GPC took it over for themselves. The green jacket & squash trophy was added by the squash growers a few years back. It is now likely taken over by the GPC though.

The other different veggies the GPC supports is more than enough for them now, at least in my opinion. Most of these are popular with the growers now. I was always curious about the addition of field pumpkins though & wondered why they took that on. You reward the grower with the largest pumpkin (1810#), then you reward the guy that grew a 130# field pumpkin. What's next, field tomatoes, field gourds or field melons?

As far as a red or green striped jacket for them, what's the point? Give the winners a nice plaque &/or a nice spring/fall light polyester jacket (not bright red or green striped) with your name, your accomplishment & a logo of your home club &/or the GPC on it. Something a grower would be proud to wear at weigh-offs & not look like a big tomato or melon. It costs only about $50 - $100 to have one of these jackets done up. That is my opinion anyway.

Phil & Jane

2/2/2011 8:21:48 AM

Long Island,New York

The Green Jacket and Squash Trophy is NOT taken over by the GPC.

2/2/2011 9:47:19 AM

Indiana

G, does that mean the Green Jacket is not up for negotiation? LOL

2/2/2011 10:31:52 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

PHil

The orange jacket is not a GPC award either. It is awarded to the largest pumpkin grown in the world each year by the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest. I don't know the politics behind it going from a Canadian award only to a world wide one as it was before my time. But, my understanding is that if the largest pumpkin grown in a given year was not displayed at a GPC weigh of, it would still be awarded the orange jacket. This is exactly the same as the Green Jacket.

2/2/2011 12:04:07 PM

Cedar City, Ut

lol glenn phruit??? lol cool idea!

2/2/2011 12:28:01 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Phil and Pap, its not that I don't support the GPC. It is that I am asking everyone to look to the future. The GPC could easily set up committees for each of the other veggies and let people work on them through the GPC with the GPC as the overseer and coordinator of it all. The squash people are in a way doing that now. With the online entries as being done for tomatoes, all of the veggies could be included. Certainly canteloupes are finished before the annual weighoffs for pumpkins and could be entered as are the tomatoes now. And even at this point the pumpkin weighoffs are staggered. If the GPC cares only about pumpkins, that may be shortsighted. Is there no room for more inclusiveness? And why not have it all under one roof so to speak. By the way, my title "The GPC must go!" was just an attempt to get a bit more attention to the topic. I doubt the GPC is going anywhere in the near term. But, the timing is right to include everyone and thereby enlarge the organization, if that is to be the direction. And PAP, this is not about Dave and his staff. this about the future and the direction of the GPC. An opportunity knocks. The question is, will anyone answer the door?

2/2/2011 1:09:38 PM

Sevierville,tn

International Giant Vegetable Growers Convention
Sheraton Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
hmmmmmm It would have been nice for the group just to acknowledge My hubby's work(shrug).btw he will get mad that post this:)

2/2/2011 2:25:23 PM

Muddy Waters

Amen GPC is not just about pumpkins.never was,so lets form more committees and grow this puppy!!

2/2/2011 2:53:04 PM

Alaska

Lubadub do ya really think growers do it for the money or the jacket? I'm not so sure of that. If I was to add up all the cost and time I spent I'd still be in the hole. Personally I grow and compete for the sheer satisfaction of it. Besting the best and the bragging rights that go along with it. Most folks just want to be recognized for their efforts and achievements. Opening up the competition to other giant vegetables just shows diversity. Call the clubs what ever you want just give recognition when recognition is due.

2/2/2011 4:04:25 PM

canal winchester ohio

Scott I grow cause I'm addicted. This time of the year I feel like I'm going thru detox.

2/2/2011 4:11:05 PM

Alaska

Yep me too!

2/2/2011 4:16:42 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I don't think very many people grow for the prize money, the jacket or the plaque though I know some do. I am not talking about bigger prizes or more jackets or plaques, I am talking about the future of the GPC. If growers want jackets etc and the money is there, fine. Mostly I am talking about competition in an organized way with accurate weights and more geography. And an ability in one organization to get help and advice and seeds and exposure to other people's experience. And, ultimately, bigger vegetables and more competition.

2/2/2011 4:21:42 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Janet - Chris will be recognized for his hard work

2/2/2011 6:23:06 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

In my opinion the gpc is going nowhere but up. The increased growth of growers and weights prove it. The current events that they hold are fun for the whole community. I tend to think that over expanding the gpc into governing all vegetables would complicate things too much. They allready have enough on there plate. I am happy that the gpc recognizes the other relatively mainstream giant vegetetables. I would say that seeing a wr long gourd in person would be a cool sight for anyone. I agree that the GPC is mostly about the pumpkins period. However, I do conclude that the gpc also governs giant sqaush as they are both internationally recognized as c. maxima. And I also conclude that the gpc governing giant squash is very important for the future of both giant pumpkins and squash. We are better off governing the rules as growers through the gpc than allowing outside organizations or single individuals to govern an entire catagory. And I would say that I am happy with them sticking to the catagories that they currently recognize.

2/2/2011 6:38:57 PM

Cologne Brescia Italy

I will continue to grow giant pumpkins also if a day I will have not more a weight off, with or without GPC.Aniway the GPC, is a great organization in my opinion. The great satisfaction, is to see the monster to grow and to get big every day, all the money can't to pay all this! Some people like to fish, other to ski, ecc.., end every hobby have his cost, we grow AG, and this is our hobby , and hobby mast to be!
Sorry for bad english

2/2/2011 6:49:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Confused thoughts, and maybe MG, might have it on the correct trak!!! Over expansion of the GPC is certainly not good!! But it seems to be the best org, that is alive today!!! Maybe, slowly w/help from the dedicated folks from the different venues...ie melons, lopes, corn, sunflowers, etc!!! The GPC will continue to grow!!! It has grown w/support from awl of us!!! Not sayin "now", but in the future, I think? awl is possible!!!
Sorta reading that most folks think that GPC, is closed minded, and I don't think so...thinkin that they just need time to grow!!!
Peace, Wayne
PS...SS sweet to hear that a cape will be presented to Chris "Superman" Kent in Niagara!!!!!!

2/3/2011 5:38:32 AM

Waquoit Mass

just politically correct retoric,pumpkins will always be KING lol

2/3/2011 5:34:25 PM

Cameron

Sorry Glenn & John. I assumed that the GPC had taken over those 2 awards. It sure looks like they have when you go to the convention. So Port Elgin buys the orange Jacket, who's buying the green jacket now? The whole thing is confusing to me.

Phil

2/4/2011 6:49:22 AM

Muddy Waters

Sorry Jesus is King Even Elvis admitted that!!LOL

2/4/2011 6:54:19 AM

Long Island,New York

Phil....I buy the Green Jacket with funds generated from generous donations from growers donating seeds to our auction and buyers supporting our cause. These funds pay for the jacket, the patch the trophy upkeep and new trophy plates etc....everything needed to keep it going. Its presented at an "Event". The Port Elgin Pumpkinfest People are very supportive and allow us to do this at the Growers Convention they arrange every year in Niagara. The GPC generously allows us to present it with thier program. When Brad Wursten broke the world record with his 1234 it was presented in Europe by Jos Ghaye in front of his supporting growers at a EGVGA event.A similar arrangement is being worked out for this year with Arnold Horde(1106).Its not a pumpkinfest award, its not a GPC award, and not everyone can get to Niagara.(Europe is where its at today for giant squash).Our auctions (last one 3 yrs ago?) have funded us well and with the generous help of Sam Lovelace and other auctioneers,helpers etc, and the input of other serious squash growers we expect it to go on healthy and supporting almost all things green for years to come.

2/4/2011 8:14:09 AM

South East

Marv,

Adding a variety a giant vegetables to the gpc seems like a natural progression, especially since its the only organization regulating weigh off rules. At this point in time, seeing the problems with ribbons, enduring controversie about rules regarding squash etc. The management challenge of it all would be to much for simple volunteers to handle and it would probably result in disaster. Running a world wide organization spanning all vegetables in your spare time seems almost impossible to me. A good thought for the future though.

2/4/2011 9:24:49 AM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Yes Phil - Port Elgin Pumpkinfest supplies the orange jacket, the giant trophy and the keeper trophy. The jacket is generously sponsored by Sussman's of Arthur and has been for years. Thanks in part, to this long-standing sponsorship, the orange jacket has been a hassle-free (now) international award to provide to this fantastic sport and awesome pumpkin growing community.

2/4/2011 10:55:38 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I don't get it. I just saw where Andy posted on the message board under GPC News some stuff about the Master Grower Award for Long Gourds, Pumpkins/Squash, Tomatoes and Water Melons. Now if this is a GPC award, doesn't that mean the GPC is already into several vegetables other than pumpkins and squash? Clarify? Who gives this award, what is it for and who is paying? From what I am seeing it looks like the GPC but maybe this is a Port Elgin thing?

2/4/2011 6:57:02 PM

Western NY

Marv - the Master Grower award is a GPC award. A few years ago we decided to start awarding the top "well-rounded gardener" based on our categories. The points system can be found here: http://greatpumpkincommonwealth.com/prize.php

The winner gets a nice engraved plaque.

2/4/2011 8:08:03 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Thanks Andy. Marv

2/4/2011 8:13:23 PM

Cameron

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I knew you guys started it, but always thought that the GPC took it over after a couple years.

Phil

2/5/2011 7:46:23 AM

Rhode Island

is it spring yet????????

2/5/2011 9:52:38 AM

Alaska

IMHO each club/group/organization should do what is geographically right for themselves. For instance cabbage is King up here not pumpkins. We see maybe 3 pumpkin entries at our show, the Alaska State Fair. In the end we look to Guinness as the ultimate score keeper. And I know just like all clubs they ain't perfect either. But in the end that's what most growers are looking for those bragging rights. To be able to say I grew the heaviest, longest fruit/vegetable in the world. So if you think the club you belong to is over reaching and has gotten to big for it's britches or is spreading the memberships money around to far from its home base. Get out and keep it local.

2/5/2011 3:23:44 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Just read, I agree, the GPC *IS* the GPC (Great Pumpkin Commonwealth) and it should stay the GPC. However it has evolved into giving sanctioning and reporting to many more things...

I have to echo Scott, we love those big pumpkins but tomatoes are the thing that is catching on here.

Hopefully 2012 will be better everywhere, and all the factions of Competition Growing will continue to expand. The GPC is still our umbrella, I think, and probably always will be, and the Port Elgin convention will still be our worldwide watershed convention.

I am founding the tomato growers recognition (GTG) and we hope to be allowed to hand out at Niagara as well... just as Glenn keeps the Green Blazer going. :)

I think the GPC is doing well responding to the needs of the members, from individual growers to sites, to more. Let's all work TOGETHER to grow ...growing.

10/10/2011 10:26:37 PM