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Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

with all the posts about Vegas, I'm curious as to how many growers out there would like to see it stay in Niagara

3/15/2011 11:24:47 PM

Arden, NC

Rotating it around the country would be great, so as to make it accessible to growers from different areas. But Vegas sounds pretty good right now. Maybe Branson, vegas and someplace on the east coast, in addition to Niagara.

3/15/2011 11:58:13 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

No doubt you guys and gals do a fantastic job of organizing and hosting a first class event in Niagara which is a good location for many American and Canadian growers to attend.

It is cost prohibitive for me to travel from BC to Ontario to attend the event and that is the main reason why I have not been to Niagara.

If another event was held in Vegas, (not replacing Niagara) I would most definitely be able to attend as travel there costs about as much as a yard of compost!!

3/16/2011 1:03:52 AM

West Sacramento Ca.

i would love to go to vegas and niagara!

3/16/2011 2:39:44 AM

Rhode Island

sally
some sort of yearly rotation between several sites (niagara being one of them ) would seem to have a lot of advantages.
it should be a win /win situation for everyone.
id immagine a somewhat different audience each year depending on distance of travel, etc.
pap

3/16/2011 4:30:53 AM

Hamilton - New Zealand

My flatmate is heavily involved with bonsai over here, and their yearly conference is held in different locations every year. Allows different people to travel, and different areas to host it. Seems to work quite well for them.

3/16/2011 4:55:31 AM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

Sally I think alot of growers do not know how the Niagara seminar came about to its present status.

It was started as a Seminar in Ontario to have for Ontario growers and started small, it has grown over the years with the inception of the GPC and the work done by many GPC present and past executives like Dave McCallum and Russ Landry. Many people do not realize that the Port Elgin crew has always ran and set up the event and many also see it as a GPC event which it is not but one that is aided by the GPC by organizing speakers and the awards part of it. Would it be the same draw if it was held in say Hamilton Ontario - no way. Niagara Falls is a must see destination in ones lifetime no matter what country you are from but our side of the falls is nicer - LOL

Alot of growers would like to see it in places like Vegas but for the appeal of Vegas and not just to attend the seminar. There has been much discussion about this in the past few months thats for sure.

Maybe have the seminar in Niagara every second year to make it more appealing to go for some and rotate it with a US destination could be one idea. In that case a whole new team would have to be drawn together to do the ground work that the Port Elgin crew does so well.

Kirk

3/16/2011 6:12:38 AM

West Chazy,N.Y.

It's your seminar Sally! you can have it anywhere you want it!
My feeling is why change a good thing. I like it where it is!

It would take so much more work just to have it some place different.
I like going tto the falls, even if it is a 8 hr ride for me.
Flying to vegas would not be a trip that I would make, and having it at the falls is where it all started.

I think it should stay there. just my opnion.
Randy & Craig

3/16/2011 6:55:08 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Vegas would be more feasible for me due to costs, and I agree with most others about a rotation to make it fair for growers all over. I like what Rookiesmom said about Branson too.

3/16/2011 8:46:55 AM

Williamsburg,KY

I agree with Kirk. Everyone should be Niagra Falls once in thier life.

3/16/2011 9:16:40 AM

Pataskala,OH

Somewhere warm.

3/16/2011 9:57:46 AM

Linden, Mi.,

I started going when it was held in Guelph (at the collage)
That was a great time. Then went to Niagra Falls.

"YES" Leave it there -- If it is not broke - don't fix !

I understand about the distance.

My 2 cents, Have another one, out west, but leave Canada
alone

3/16/2011 10:28:10 AM

Deer Park, WI

A couple pennies into the well for consideration...

The historical perspective provided by Kirk is fundamental to considering the future evolution of this and other events. The fact that this conference is not orchestrated under the direct oversight of the GPC is crucial.

In a mutually beneficial relationship, the GPC partners with the Port Elgin crew to create a synergistic agenda that fufills the needs of the GPC and preserves the original intent of the Port Elgin crew. The bed shared by these two entities has become comfortable, and, as I stated, mutually beneficial, utlimately to the grower's benefit.

Thus, proposing an alternate location for "niagara" not only creates a new set of logigistcal/organizational hurdles, it also impacts the historical and relational aspect of the GPC-Port Elgin synergies.

Perhaps rather than asking who would like to go where, which will only result in a bunch of conflicting opinions, we should consider what goals are to be achieved by considering a change to the current paradigm?

3/16/2011 10:37:01 AM

Deer Park, WI

Secondly, the GPC's oversight and contribution to an annual, national meeting needs to be considered as well. If two meetings took place each year, to which one would the GPC align itself to conduct its award ceremony and other relevant business? If a single meeting on a rotating location took place, would the GPC assume sanctioning, direction, and organization of this event?

These are not easy questions to answer. If the masses scream for an alternate location, We certainly cannot expect Sally and her crew to sink their teeth in this new venture. Niagara is her's and Port Elgin's baby, not the GPC's. Thus, orchestration of any other location would need to be assumed by either the GPC or a local group with ambitions and skills equivalent to Sally and her team.

Any volunteers???

My hope is that leaders in this hobby, including GPC execs as well as club representatives, engage in a dialog to consider goals, including benefits, and drawbacks pertaining to the items discussed above.

3/16/2011 10:39:35 AM

bliss,n.y.- heart of Wyoming County

Sally-
There are good reasons for moving or staying. In my humble opinion, the Falls is the best location.
Put me down for keeping it in the Falls
BillP

3/16/2011 10:57:08 AM

[email protected]

I personally would also like to see a revolving seminar. Not taking anything away from Sally and crew, but consider the fact that if it was in a different venue, Sally could come and just enjoy instead of work.
Also, almost every club holds their own spring seminar. Why couldn't any one of these clubs team up with the GPC and hold the big one. For example, If you look at the upcoming Seminar for the Pacific growers, the Itinerary is really not too far off what happens in Niagara. So most of the work is already done with keynote speakers etc. The venue it's being held in may need to be changed to handle a bigger crowd, again something that could be easily optainable. But I think it could be done.
By moving the Seminar you give all growers a chance to be involved.

3/16/2011 11:01:38 AM

Cedar City, Ut

I think Iceman has a point with alternating so that Sally and her group could relax and enjoy. closer to me would be great but I would like to see 'the falls' someday anyway..(hint hint Babe...lol)

3/16/2011 12:00:47 PM

Trinity River Bottom

Texas ?

3/16/2011 12:46:07 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Honestly, I think I am the one who first proposed this, several years ago. It's a huge consideration, with MANY factors involved. If I take the time to carefully consider all the inputs, the only way that I think this can work is if the central organizing committee and the GPC want to move it each year. I do not think two meetings in the same year are feasible. So, the awards presentation, I see that being feasibly only in one location each year.

I want to be clear that I'm not asking anyone to move it around, and I'm not in any way criticizing what we currently have.

I think if you drew a central location for MOST growers, Niagara would be very close to the dead center.

If it were me, I might say Niagara one year, Vegas the next, and rotate it. But... how many attendees to Niagara are arriving by car? For folks like the Harp's (just to cite an example) I would not want them to need to buy three airline tickets. Are 75% of the attendees at Niagara arriving by car?

I could get to Vegas by car, but I think there are maybe two growers in Idaho who would actually do that. Maybe five in Utah, one in Arizona, one in Nevada,... we just don't have the numbers. If you're talking Oregon, Washington, and BC, it's still better to fly than drive to Vegas.

3/16/2011 12:56:52 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

A quick check of the map...

Niagara to Columbus, OH : 330 miles
Niagara to Boston, MA : 470 miles

Seattle to Vegas : 1350 miles (our states are big out here!)

If we did Vegas, nearly all would be coming by plane. I wonder if that would work? I have my doubts. It's fun to think about... but that's all.

3/16/2011 1:13:28 PM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

I would have to agree with Eddie as far as our seminar out here in the PNW. I would love to see it maybe in an alternating fashion. I truly love the work you do for the Niagra convention Sally. I think that it would be a good way to have others who dont or cant travel to Niagra be able to go to Vegas. If it came about I would consider seeing what it would take to do this from our end of it.

3/16/2011 1:58:01 PM

Ontario

Just wondering who you expect to put up the thousands of dollars up front for booking the facilities? Who would be willing to absorb any losses incurred? Who would volunteer to man the phones for bookings and actually be there to organize the running of the event from the early morning until late at night? This is NOT a GPC event. It is funded and manned by the Port Elgin team. I'm not sure if the GPC would be willing to put up the cash or the time involved.

3/16/2011 2:12:13 PM

Saegertown Pa.

I would vote to keep it like it is for all the reasons mentioned above, but if you do move it I would put it anywhere other than Vegas. I think Cliffwarren makes a very good point about all most all would have to fly to go to Vegas were 75% drive to get to Niagara. I can't see that many people flying to Vegas, I think the numbers would be real low compared to Niagara.

3/16/2011 2:37:37 PM

Topsfield,ma.

If it's not broke don't fix it. If i'm not mistaken Sally and crew work for the Port Elgin chamber of commerce. My guess is they won't be organizing at other locations. Who would do it? The GPC? Think about that for a while. Go to Vegas to gamble Niagra to learn about pumpkins. Woody

3/16/2011 3:04:45 PM

Lymington UK

Right I’m putting on my tin helmet and please don’t shoot me.
What would people say if we had a seminar in Europe?
Stuart and I had a fantastic time in Niagara and were quite taken back by the way ALL the people made us feel so welcome. We will try to get to Niagara again next year but it is a shame that so many European growers don’t get the chance to get that experience.
So just a thought and the Dollar make coming to Europe much easier.
So please don’t shoot me, it’s just an idea and Sally is my new best mate and boy is she funny (and loud)what a girl.

3/16/2011 3:24:58 PM

huntsburg,ohio

i'm for niagara been going since 96 up to ottawa then to guelph and now niagara if somebody wants to put 1 outwest then do it maybe i'll go to 2 a year but niagara would be number 1.Jerry

3/16/2011 4:13:09 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Niagara, Seattle/Portland, Brussells, if this hobby continues to grow (no pun intended) I think we'll get there.

3/16/2011 4:28:38 PM

Massachusetts

this pumpkin growing is like an olympic sport, and they dont have the olympics in the same city every year, i agree with eddy, sally and all the other people who work so hard, need a break, it still will cost money to go anywhere you have it, but in all i think we should have a list of places to have the convention, then vote on it here, but as some people said "its sallys" and it really is up to her,

3/16/2011 4:43:40 PM

Wi

Somewhere cheap to Fly. Vegas, or Orlando.

3/16/2011 6:01:47 PM

Western NY

Sally,
Thanks for all the hard work you and your group put into the weekend.
It was first rate from top to bottom.
My wife and I have no desire to go to vegas for any reason unless I had to pick up a jacket. lol
As stated it has been Port Elgin's seminar and I haven't heard Sally say she's tired or needs a break.
If it ain't broke there's nothing to fix.
Niagara Falls all the way!
Ray F.

3/16/2011 6:39:10 PM

Ontario

Who says Sally and her top notch crew have to give up organizing the event wherever it is held from year to year?? Is there any reason the Port Elgin crew cannot run the same show in another city?? Vegas was mentioned mainly due to the cheap flights and that you can access it as a weekend destination from most major cities in North America. I would go no matter where the event is held, it just would be nice to see other parts of the continent and possibly the world one day.

3/16/2011 7:04:04 PM

Parker, Co

perhaps NOT THE big GPC meeting in Las vegas but just a Pumpkin get together in Vegas would work. If everyone was staying at the same hotel, something NOT huge...like that pyramid thingy or the Mirage it could be just fun...like the cruises are. More for just meeting people. we take over the bar and just talk and drink pumpkins. some of those hotels on the strip are so big that you can't find anyone. Niagara is Niagara. Can't be moved anymore than the Falls could be moved. my 2 cents...cindi

3/16/2011 8:02:49 PM

Ontario

So let me get this straight. The Port Elgin chamber of commerce would be willing to bank roll the event, fly out the volunteers and put them up for the week-end in Vegas and absorb cost over runs. Hmmm Maybe if Lisa was back running things. ;0) Unless the GPC takes over I can't see this flying.I for one would love to travel to Europe for the International but that ain't gonna happen folks. Besides, are you going to sit through some dude getting his biggest field pumpkin award or a lecture on sprinklers while in Vegas?

3/16/2011 8:03:40 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

As long as Sally and the Port Elgin group are hosting the event it just doesn't seem practical or even fair to consider another location, especially not the middle of a desert.

3/16/2011 8:43:30 PM

Littleton, Colo

...Any place where there iz beer !

3/16/2011 9:35:13 PM

Massillon, Ohio

my vote is definitely to KEEP IT IN NIAGRA :)

3/16/2011 9:50:48 PM

Massillon, Ohio

*niagara* spelling problems sorry

3/16/2011 9:52:03 PM

Midwest

I'm agree with Joze as he eloquently made several great points. Niagra is originally is owned by the Port Elgin group and Sally and the group are in charge of the event. They do it all, make the arrangements, organize the event, etc. So, isn't choosing the location the right solely reserved for her and the members of the Port Elgin group? I mean, if Niagra was an event sponsored by any other club, wouldn't the members of the club vote on the location. it would be in their right as members while that privilege isn't granted to non-members. I would love to see the award ceremony held at the annual meeting of several other established clubs. And, the club would have the honor of choosing the location and organizing the event. It would be in addition to Niagra.

3/17/2011 1:38:40 AM

Ontario

I have to agree. Do a planned Vegas trip for growers like the annual pumpkin cruise but leave the Niagara seminar where it is.

3/17/2011 2:05:20 AM

ipswich, ma usa

Why not just make Vegas the international midnight patch tour location and keep the seminar in Niagara!. :) Bring back Papez to run it!!!....lol

John (5150)

3/17/2011 8:58:49 AM

Western NY

I've been going since it was back in Guelph. I know i'm probably biased because of my location, but if I had to get on a plane, I probably wouldn't attend.

3/17/2011 9:30:04 AM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

I'd like to see it alternate locations from year to year. I'm not sure if Vegas is the best place to go though, if we are concerned about cost. The flights may be cheap, but the hotels, etc. . . aren't. (It ain't your daddy's Vegas anymore). I suppose we could have some sort of selection committee that chooses a destination based on local attractions, ease of travel, hotel costs and local club support. Clubs could bid on it like the Olympics (Now that's dreaming, isn't it?)

3/17/2011 10:36:06 AM

Coventry RI USA

I vote Niagara !

3/17/2011 3:58:58 PM

Ireland

I sort of agree with Ian .Say you have a rotation and a rotation is 10 years.Have it in Niagara for two or three years out of the ten and maybe Europe once in those 10 years.The rest of the years can be pulled from the hat.
Just my opinion.
Micheal

3/17/2011 4:19:45 PM

ipswich, ma usa

Ronnie dont drop anything near AR...lol Especially in Vegas!

John (5150)

3/17/2011 4:38:47 PM

Sparta, NC

I think a place like Vegas would present to many distractions for the seminar. I like it the way it is. The Port Elgin crew does an excellent job.

3/17/2011 5:54:38 PM

Port Alberni, BC, Canada

Although a rotation in venues is an interesting thought I think Port Elgin and Sally and their groups have done an exemplary job of hosting the pumpkin world. Yes, it costs more for us on the west coast to fly into the Niagara area but I think it's worth it. Why fix something that isn't broken.
An other thought. I may be wrong, but isn't the orange jacket a Port Elgin thing and not a GPC thing? How would rotating affect that?

My $0.02 worth.

3/17/2011 6:33:41 PM

I would have to say Vegas sounds great but honestly if it was held there noone would be at any of the seminars but who is to say it can't be held in another state. You could think about the bordering states along Canada like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois etc. This way it would give others the opportunity to come if they haven't been to the Niagara seminar. Also, take into the account not everyone has a passport nor do they want to spend that money on one for once a year event. This is just my two cents.

3/17/2011 8:13:48 PM

Wi

Who's going to take this on? I can't imagine could fill these shoes.

Niagara it is for me as well.

3/17/2011 8:32:21 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

It dosn't really matter much to me, wherever it is ( unless on my doorstep ) I could not afford to go.

3/17/2011 8:48:15 PM

Anchorage Alaska

I would love to go someday, but if it rotated to say Vancouver BC or Seattle, that would be great. Though it would, probably never be as good as the current venue, I'm sure a lot of new faces would attend..

3/17/2011 11:51:37 PM

Mtn. Green, Utah

This year was my first trip to Niagara and I must say it was top notch! Thanks for putting this together. That being said, a little sun wouldn't hurt either. I would love Vegas, Southern Cal, or anywhere warm. It would just be easier for me to convince my better half if it was 80 degrees and sunny! An East/West alternating system would have some benefits.

3/17/2011 11:57:05 PM

South Carolina

untill a group comes forward to plan and organize an event at a alternative location, any discussion is pointless. The port elgin people are not gonna do it anywhere else, they would loose their home advantage and the cost would be to high. So untill their is a group off people willing to spent a couple of months a year getting this set up, all off the above is for the wish list. Niagra doesnt need to be fixed, because it isnt broken but a diffrent location more central or changing, would however give many non attending growers now a chanse to attend in the future. This takes nothing away from the efforts made by the current organizers, their efforts oviously are greatly appreciated. Maybe this is a topic for the gpc winter meetings? My guess is that nothing wil change for a pretty long time to come, and simular threats like this wil pop up on yearly basis untill someone who wants it bad enough starts on it. Good luck!lol

3/18/2011 9:11:14 AM

Cameron

I'm for Niagara as well. Jane & I have been going since the mid 90s.

Jane & Phil

3/18/2011 9:14:20 AM

Ma.

Mary Ann and I both vote Niagara.

3/18/2011 9:45:35 AM

Cheshire,Ma

Time to rotate locations. One of the goals of the GPC is to encourage new growers and suport the growth of our sport. What better way then rotaing the seminar and make it more accessible to many growers who can't make the trip to Niagara. Awarding a site to have the seminar 2 years out should allow enough time to organize the event.Regional groups are now putting on some great 1 day seminars, this would extend that to a whole weekedend. Plus it would allow people to get to meet heavy hitters from around the world.Again maybe rotate every other year.

3/18/2011 10:57:19 AM

[email protected]

I understand the reasons, but I say keep it in Niagara....

3/18/2011 3:53:07 PM

Fresno, CA

I'd like to see one in rotation. I might be able to swing it if it was on the left coast. But it's never going to happen in Niagara.

3/18/2011 6:08:24 PM

Ontario

it was originally started in Niagara so it should stay in Niagara .
why cant the other places hold their own?

3/18/2011 9:52:33 PM

Jefferson Ohio

It's all about the money ! move it to Vagas or any other venu that far away from the center of the pumpkin population and it will not last ! people that support the event now do it because its affordable not because of where its at! I would understand moving it around but keep it close to the bulk of people that will attend! Chuck E.

3/18/2011 9:58:58 PM

Oswego,ny

I'm a little confused about the Las Vegas idea too.
NO ONE would be close enough to drive.
Assuming central California would have the closest growers,
the closest grower would have to travel hundreds of miles. That's farther than the farthest away grower at our weigh-in.
And there is tradition.
The Baseball hall of fame is in Cooperstown NY. they have there ceremonies there regardless.
Boxig Hall of fame is in Canastota NY they have there ceremonies there. and the list goes on and on

3/18/2011 10:14:47 PM

Muddy Waters

Who can afford all this flying??The masses are here,Have a second 1 out west.I wouldnt go to sin City if you paid me to go.

3/18/2011 10:46:42 PM

Riverton, WY

I agree with everyone who says if it aint broken, don't fix it. Keep it in Niagara.

3/19/2011 8:53:42 AM

Ohio

Keep it in Niagra.

3/19/2011 10:32:54 AM

Ohio

*Niagara

3/19/2011 10:33:58 AM

Niagara is way too cost prohibitive from here on a teachers salary. It would be nice to see it rotate to other areas of the country so the opportunity to attend is a possibility.

3/19/2011 8:57:53 PM

Rapid City, SD

vegas

3/19/2011 9:03:03 PM

Waquoit Mass

usually the people that want to change it are nowhere to be found when its time to put on another one. im not saying anyone in general ive just found this as a rule.

3/21/2011 1:09:34 PM

Oswego,ny

good point dave , a lot of clubs have successful seminars and none realy seem to be a huge draw outside of the particular area where they are held.
If they were, there would already be something somwhere else.In addition to the Niagara event

3/22/2011 1:06:09 AM

Minnesota

Emperiment! have it in Las Vegas one year, from there take what was learned, the turn out, how smoothly it went, etc. make plans, take consense's on how everybody feels. I agree, Giant Pumpkin growing is getting more popular.

3/22/2011 5:19:22 AM

Minnesota

Maybe even a east-Niagra, and a west-Las Vegas.

3/22/2011 5:20:25 AM

Minnesota

I agree with what oswegosteve said also, maybe Las Vegas should be just for the West coast growers, something they could have yearly. I'm sure it would start out small and grow, it would also give growers a option if they would like to head west for a change.

3/22/2011 5:24:47 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Vegas, or Niagara (which I loved, even thru the sno-storm of the century), I am thinkin would be Sally & her incredible team's decission!!! Maybe Sally, could increase prices, to pay for her team to travel & stay & set up awl the incredibleness, in Vegas!!! ??? How cheap is it now? LOL Peace, Wayne
PS...just a thought as no one else has volunteered to do the ground work!!!

3/22/2011 11:49:35 PM

Littlerock, WA

I'd like an east/west rotation. I don't think Vegas is a good venue...not many growers in that area at all! The Pacific Northwest (Seattle/Portland/BC area) has A LOT of growers who would be able to attend the conference if we could host it in our neck of the woods. For me to go from Washington state to Niagara, I was looking at nearly $1000 for airfare, taxi, hotel, meals and registration. That's a really expensive weekend. I had to make a decision not to go because that money would be really useful for my patch.

3/23/2011 2:25:51 AM