The 2009 California Pumpkin Growers Forum: Link from Janni

Good afternoon, Growers!

I received the following message and link from Janni in Germany this week about the Elk Grove Citizen's story on this year's California Giant Pumpkin Growers Forum. I hope you enjoy it!

"Hi all Pumpkinistas:

http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2009/02/11/lifestyle/doc4993037a5bcdc888486882.txt

Best greetings from Germany!
Janni"

The forum security detail on high alert.

Seeds were donated by growers from California to Michigan, and beyond.

The study, scrutiny, and strategy of the seed exchange.

Joel Holland, Hall of Fame Grower, left.

Pete Glazier, legendary grower, in white T-shirt, right, foreground.

The panel ponders.

Gary Miller responds to an audience member's question.

The 2009 California Giant Pumpkin Growers Forum

Manuel Valencia, and staff of the Cosumnes Parks and Recreation Department did a masterful job as always, organizing and executing this year's California Giant Pumpkin Growers Forum, which was held Saturday, February 7th, 2009, at the Barbara Morse Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex, Elk Grove, CA. The anticipation in the room was electric. Two hundred fifty of the giant pumpkin uber-faithful were there to rub shoulders with and learn from a pantheon legendary growers: Michelle Lofthouse, current woman's world record-holder, and record for largest pumpkin grown in Southern California, Gary Miller, a Calfornia State Record Holder, even Joel Holland, Hall of Fame Grower, and 1992 World Champion contributed to the panel. Donated prizes were raffled off throughout the day. After the panel presentation, there was a sumptuous buffet, followed by a seed raffle, and then one of the forum's highlights, the seed auction. The audience settled in for a ten lot auction, consisting of 1 to 3 seeds per lot. The top lot of the auction, Lot 10, a 1385.5 Jutras 2007 seed (1068 Wallace x 998.6 Pukos), which has grown pumpkins weighing 1,483.5, 1,457, 1,375, 1,353, 1,343.5, 1,288, 1,209, 1,197.7, 1,1171, 1,168, and 1,153 pounds, went for a stunning $300.00. The other nine lots ranged in price from $80.00 to $185.00. After the auction, the seed exchange closed out the day's events. Then, it was time to head south. This year, the drive to and from the forum was punctuated by several rainstorms, one lightning storm, one rainbow, many fantastic cloud formations, and some spectacular California scenery along Interstate 5.

The Epoch Times Article!

Good evening, Growers!

I apologize. I have been remiss in letting you know that the excellent Epoch Times account by Diana Mathias, Epoch Times writer and 2008 Pumpkinmania judge is available at: http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/united-states/pumpkinmania--growing-enthusiasm-for-giant-pumpkins-6424.html

The article was spotted by our loyal grower in Germany, Janni.

Vielen danke!

Stuart

Scott Briggs and 'Jr.'s Post Pumpkinmania Tour and Carving!

Good evening, Growers!

Have you ever wondered what happens to the pumpkins after they've participated in Pumpkinmania?

I received this update and the images above from Scott Briggs:

"Hi Stuart. It is Scott Briggs. Thank you again for a great day and event.
I saw that my father has given you details of events that followed your event. However, I wanted to send you pics of kids and "Jr." together. The Monday following Pumpkinmania, I took "Jr." on a half-day tour to 2 elementary schools (My sister and wife are teachers.) and 1 preschool (my daughter's). To say the kids were amazed would be an understatement. It was as much fun as Pumpkinmania. Take care and thanks again."

Thank you very much Scott!

Photo by Coleen Briggs

Photo by Coleen Briggs

Photo by Coleen Briggs

Scott Briggs on CBS 2 and KCAL Channel 9

and in The Acorn, Simi Valley!

Good evening, Pumpkinistas!

A few people have mentioned a recent television news story about Scott Briggs and peripherally, Pumpkinmania! Fortunately, I received this e-mail message from Bill Briggs, Scott Briggs' dad:

"Hi Stuart,

Did you get the three pictures of the three winners together at Pumpkinmania? I sent them on the 29th. Here is a link to an article a reporter wrote about "The Pumpkin Man", as she has named him, in the local Simi Valley newspaper, The Acorn. It is one of those neat little local newspapers that really does have local news. http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2008/1031/Front_page/

Below is a link to a news story channels 2/9 did on Friday as a result of the article in the Acorn.http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=81884@kcbs.dayport.com

He has really had a busy week! Boy did a lot of people show up just to look at the pumpkins tonight in addition to the trick or treaters.

Thanks again for a fun Sunday!

Lets hear it for Pumpkins!

Bill Briggs"

Thank you very much, Bill! The article and television story are great!

Pumpkin Launch at Cal State Fullerton!

Good afternoon, Growers!

The Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana and the Future Scientists and Engineers of America joined California State University, Fullerton's College of Engineering and Computer Science to offer a fall festival with a science twist yesterday.

The day of fun activities was held at Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. Free activities included a carved-pumpkin contest, a mini-catapult contest, music, a Medieval technology display, entertainment. The highlight of the event was the chance to watch college engineering and some San Diego middle school students, staff from Booz Allen & Hamilton, and Boeing engineers, launch pumpkins using devices designed and built by their respective teams. The devices ranged from Middle Age siege machines called trebuchets, to an industrial strength slingshot by Boeing, to a pneumatic cannon from Cal State University Long Beach, that fired a pumpkin out of Titan stadium during its first test-firing! Also featured at the event were projects from California State University, Fullerton’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, such as a concrete canoe.

For a video of one of the trebuchet's being assembled and tested, please visit: http://www.discoverycube.org/fsea.aspx?q=44

It was a very pleasant couple of hours of fun!

Pumpkin Bowling in Northern California

Good evening, Growers!

I received these photos from Ty Hall, Pumpkinmania Judge, Crew Member and also District Manager of Pumpkinmania sponsor, Kellogg Garden Products.

Imagine using giant pumpkins, on a slope, and very large bowling pins.

Have a great evening,

Stuart