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South Bloomfield, Ohio

Yes, maybe the time has come and the idea is out there. While we all enjoy the opportunity to travel and mingle and rub shoulders with the world's best growers, it is all too often out of the reach of most growers to do so, financially speaking. This might be one of the best ideas to come down the pike in a long time and presents a great opportunity for the GPC to shed the tag as an elitist group.

This hobby/sport has grown by leaps and bounds over recent years and there are many experts with a wealth of knowledge to share as a result, not to mention the many companies who want to become a part of it and growers, big and small, who want to take things to their personal next level. The GPC is represented regionally and maybe the time has come to make it easier for smaller growers such as myself to access and share information.

3/9/2014 12:49:32 AM

Rhode Island

"shed the tag as an elitist group"????????????? why are you calling the gpc a elitist group? what have they done to deserve this tag?
yes the many awards they give yearly do go to the hobbies top growers. what should they do ? award the worst growers instead?someone who has done everything for the hobby or someone who has done nothing?instead of "grower of the year" how about "worst grower of the year"?instead of top ten how about last ten?

the gpc is quite the opposite of an elitist group. as a former executive director i take offence to that remark.
be carefull what you wish for. the gpc has held the pumpkin world together and i must say grown it in leaps and bounds over the past eight or so years.
many growers were not around when the gpc was in its infancy. when there were a couple dozen sites,a few prizes and little more.
now we have over eighty sites world wide.
you have site ribbons,awards,level playing field for competition,rules to keep everything fair,etc,etc,.
i do agree that the smaller site /club seminars are all usefull and great meeting places.
with the yearly traveling seminar type agenda the gpc is undertaking i believe they will accomplish exactly what your post is requesting.
theres always those individual get togethers that are very benificial however, if you were lucky enough to accomplish certain goals, and were to ne recognized for those goals, would it not be far better to receive in person or pulled from your mail box?
pap wallace

3/9/2014 1:50:33 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

pap, it was not meant as a jab at the GPC. I am 100% GPC and participate as such in my club. I agree that the GPC has done much to involve ALL growers, but I do hear such talk at various GPC events because there is only one venue to which to travel annually to a convention. While "tag" may have been a poor choice of words, many of the smaller growers feel isolated by the unaffordability and, as such, displace blame upon the GPC.

My reference to regional conventions is not new, I'm sure, to the GPC and it was my intention that the GPC organize these conventions. I'm not suggesting a break FROM the GPC, but a different way for the GPC to do things. After all, don't we have regional representatives?

3/9/2014 3:01:10 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Dang TruckTech, I can not afford to travel to the GPC Conventions and I have no problem accessing tips and information. Even tho I have never met Pap or Ron in person, they have helped me when ever I have asked. They are not the only growers who have helped me, sometimes all you have to do is put some honey on the bread instead of vinegar. Good Luck this season.

3/10/2014 7:56:56 AM

Team Munson

The GPC has 1 seminar/awards show per year bringing the best possible information & recognition from the best growers, experts, & final world wide results.

Regional seminars are conducted by the supporting clubs of the GPC as they have more flexibility to get the best products & techniques for their particular region. They will also have awards & recognition that are reflective of the growers in those regions.

The GPC is a governing body that sets the standards for competitive pumpkin/gardening competitions under our umbrella world wide. It stands for the soundness of exhibits, fairness of competition, & recognition of outstanding achievements. This entity is run by volunteer representatives from regions world wide to ensure the process best reflects the majority world wide.

The Wilkes-Barre event will have a $95 registration fee rooms are $95 + tax you can pack a cooler & get a group to car pool & share a room. If you are thrifty it is possible to make this event for under $300 from Ohio & help from a couple friends.



This committee works tirelessly to make this seminar/awards show available & affordable to all growers world wide. We understand that many may never be able to attend one of these functions but do our best to place them in areas that will be accessible to most growers.

3/10/2014 11:04:28 AM

So. Maine

amen to that !!!

3/10/2014 8:53:18 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

And very much appreciated Dave and all GPC reps.

3/10/2014 9:12:34 PM

Piqua, Ohio

Joe, Tony was talking about combining the spring meeting of several clubs in our area and making it a two day convention around Cincinnati. Is that what your post is about? I think some misunderstood what you're geeting at!

3/11/2014 7:37:26 AM