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Ontario, Canada.

Note to all grower clubs and organizations. The IGVGC organising committee still has several short slots available for presentations on both Saturday and Sunday. Please respond by email if your Club will require podium time.


Russ Landry
Director of Events
International Giant Vegetable Growers Convention

2/11/2006 10:26:56 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Kahuna:
Who or what is the International Giant Vegetable Growers?
Marv

2/11/2006 5:43:13 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Marv, Who is the International Giant Vegetable Growers was formerly the International Giant Pumpkin Seminar. The seminar now called the the convention is held annually in Niagara Falls, Ontario. What, is a group of usually 200 or so dedicated growers which gather together learning from each other to gain knowledge and share information.

The IGVGConvention is bigger and better than ever. After last years seminar Dave McCallum GPC and Lisa Irwin Pumpkin Fest, set about a plan to increase the popularity of the seminar, Dave gathered a small group of folks and formed an organizing committee. One of the first things we did was change the name to set this years convention apart from the past. We also circulated a questionnaire on the internet to gather input into how growers would like to see the convention improved. This years convention is the result of great deal of time and effort of several hard working folks. It is run by a very dedicated Port Elgin staff lead by Lisa Irwin. Packed with a host of presentations and lectures as well as two sessions with heavy hitters and a very fabulous special presentation by two of most prominent growers of all time.

I hope you all can attend the newly formatted Convention.

Russ

2/12/2006 7:08:23 AM

Norton, MA

Can't wait. It's been great in the past. Will there still be a good amount of free time? ALSO, WHAT TIME DOES IT ALL GET GOING SATURDAY? Thanks, AleX Noel.

2/12/2006 1:50:24 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

So the International Giant Vegetable Growers Convention is just that, a convention? Is it sponsored by Pumpkinfest and does it have anything at all to do with the GPC other than for the fact that GPC members and their activities are prominent at the convention??

2/12/2006 5:47:31 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Yes, it is a convention. The IGVGC is your convention. If you are a grower you can have a direct impact on what takes place at the convention.

The GPC uses the convention to award its annual prizes in all categories and also to keep the commonwealth informed of rule changes or new events.

The Pumpkin Fest staff organize and facilitate the convention by providing the booking arrangements and support staff.

All growers share in the costs through registration, Seed donations, seed sales, raffles, auctions and item sales.

2/12/2006 7:03:04 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Alex, Yes there is a Santa Claus. There will be lots of time to rub elbows with many of the heavy hitters. My first year at the convention was spent picking Steve Daletas brain for several hours.

This years scheduled is much more hectic than last years seminar format. The committee expects it to run similar to a convention style format. There are a few built in breaks during each day to allow for face to face chatting. Depending on club presentation time I expect to release the final line up later on this week. I can tell you that a major convention announcement will be posted in the next couple of days. Details are still being finalized on a special guest appearance and presentation by two top IT guys.

2/12/2006 7:14:40 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Since the name implies different vegetables will there be presentations on long gourds, watermelons tomatoes etc?

2/12/2006 7:46:16 PM

Ontario, Canada.

The GPC Executive Committee will have an informational table set up at the Niagara Convention. For more information you may contact Dick Wallace(Pap)
or any other member of the GPC Executive Committee.

2/12/2006 8:09:07 PM

Ontario, Canada.

The name change begins to encompass the growing trend of the past few years toward an acceptance of other giant vegetables. As growers begin to test the waters in growing several other types of giants the change does not exclude any growers. The hope of the committee was to enhance the environment of the convention and promote other areas of this unique hobby.
The GPC now has a true green prize and several other vegetable categories such as long gourds. In fact several clubs in the US incorporate vegetable as part of their main identity. We are continuing to promote competitive, hobbyist growers in what ever they choose in the years to come.

Good Luck & see you in Niagara.

2/12/2006 8:23:52 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Russ, we of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers whole heartedly agree with the new organization and consider it flattering that you plagerized some of our name :o)

thanks for everything you guys & gals do!

Jim Sherwood

2/12/2006 9:09:19 PM

Ontario, Canada.

ROFLOL

Thanks Jim

2/13/2006 6:09:19 PM