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Brooktondale, New York

Absolutely out of pure fun and entertaining enjoyment..
Let's just say you went to a weigh off (probably Saratoga or River Prairie) there was four identical sized 850 pounders all perfectly round with beautiful green stems eight
inches long, no cracks no splits all smooth nice nice..however one looked like the 1872 Sippel, one looked like the 1263.5 Montsma, one looked like the 359 Foss, one looked like the 1461 Rodebaugh again all the same shape and size Who wins???.. idle mind as they say.
I would love to here responses from any one who just loves themselves that Orange plaque. (Responses might include Young? Engel? Howard? Rea? Grubbs? Bayuk? Wolf? Rodebaugh?Radach?) If your name was not listed please take no offense, if you love you some orange, than weigh in on the most epic Howard Dill award ever... only one winner.. stay well Have fun in 2024...

3/13/2024 10:43:53 PM

Jericho Vermont

In Vermont and Saratoga the GPC HD rules are used for HD and voted on by each grower that has a pumpkin in the weigh off. Saratoga also has 3 places for HD although only the first place gets the coveted plaque.

Regardless of the pumpkins being identical, each grower will see something in one of them that tilts it to the top. Personally for me, I prefer an orange that looks like a traditional jack o lantern opposed to one that is redder. But that is just my one vote. At the end of the contest it really depends what each individual voter is looking for and for me as an orange grower it feels fair. I would rather have 25 individual thinkers voting on a subjective award rather than a small group or a crowd that may be related to a certain grower.

Remember, this award honors the late Howard Dill and although great to win, it should give us all a moment to reflect on his accomplishments and be thankful that he fathered the hobby that we all love today.

3/14/2024 7:13:31 AM

Western NY

I think in my head I have some kind of points system that accounts for color, shape, ect. Usually there's something that edges one ahead of another.

If not, and pumpkins are within the margin of error of both being supermodels - tie goes to the heavier pumpkin, as the degree of difficulty to grow one big AND pretty is a factor.

3/14/2024 8:15:06 AM

Nova Scotia

Now there's an interesting scenario that very well could play out soon at a few GPC weigh offs. John pretty well summed it up. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and who better than the growers? But then again you could be out numbered by growers related, such as here in Windsor sometimes with the "Ansems" however their so competitive with each other it wouldn't be a concern lol.

Back to the original 4 examples all weighing 850 lbs with the same shape, flip a coin, but I would tip my hat to the 359 Foss! Classic orange with the ribbing. As you first pointed out for "pure fun and entertaining enjoyment". CHEERS!

It would be so wonderful if Dad was here today to witness all of these fine ATLANTIC GIANTS! He would be absolutely thrilled and amazed.

3/14/2024 9:21:33 AM

Massillon, Ohio

You've certainly picked four beautiful pumpkins to compare! As Howard said, "Beauty is .....!" Kind of like, why is someone's favorite color blue and another's green? For me, I'll pick the 1263.5 Montsman. I love the natural high gloss shine!!

[Last edit: 03/14/24 2:40:07 PM]

3/14/2024 10:46:58 AM

Mission Viejo, CA

Personally, I love the ribs and the naturally shiny skin and would favor those characteristics over pumpkins without. A deep orange color is also important. I think that is what stops the crowd and makes everyone want a photo.

I've won a few HDA's and the one I am most proud of is when I set out to win it.

3/14/2024 12:10:42 PM

Hadley Ny

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[Last edit: 03/14/24 2:32:35 PM]

3/14/2024 1:27:51 PM

Nova Scotia

Good observation Nana Rea regarding "the natural high gloss" trait that some orange AG genetics carry. Another factor to consider upon selection.

3/14/2024 2:08:37 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I have a made-up scale in my brain also like Andy. Color 10 points, Shape 10 points, Symmetry 10 points, Glow/Beauty 10 points and Overall Weight 10 points. In the end it is a consensus of a several growers opinions on who the winner is. Come judge the Beauty of the North at Stillwater Harvest Fest and you have the exact scenario you are describing.

3/17/2024 11:15:10 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

PS I know when that pumpkin shows up that has me beat or is a serious contender. If the weigh offs keep increase the Purse for HDA it should get interesting. It is a prestigious award to win.

3/17/2024 11:18:50 AM