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Macomb County

This is a question I've had for a long time, but does anyone else feel the way I do? If someone growers a monster and it splits on them on say, Sept.29th, as long as they hurry up and get it officially weighed at one of the sites, I think it should still stand at the weigh-off. The weigh-off is the ceremony. It's like sports, if a player has a home run record season, but strikes out his last 2 times at bat, they surely don't erase his whole record for the season as a result. I think it should be offical weights starting like from Sept.4th or something. Someone grows a 1600lb world record and splits it in their driveway,loading it 45 minutes before weigh-in and they're done? Carlson had a 1400lber split on him at the end and I don't think it's right that it's not officially in the records in some way. Does anyone else share my feelings? It's who grew what weight each season after all.

9/10/2006 10:50:55 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

One thing, with breaches into the pumpkin cavity, is that something could be added into the pumpkin, to increase it's weight. I would think that it would be rare that a grower would resort to this type of dishonesty though.

9/10/2006 10:55:24 PM

Rexburg, Idaho ([email protected] )

Does a home run count if it was hit during the practice session the day before?
If if and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry christmas.

9/10/2006 10:55:30 PM

So. Maine

Gotta have the rules , otherwise it will turn things into quite a mess.

9/11/2006 12:06:10 AM

New York

If I have a 1600 pounder that I've just split in the driveway, 45 minutes before the weigh-off, I've got other things to worry about...mainly staying away from ropes,chains,and sharp objects.

Keep in mind that growers like Dan Carlson(1432) and Bruce Whittier(1458) ARE recognized for their accomplishment. We understand they can't be accepted as "official", but we all know they grew some amazing pumpkins...it's not like there erased from memory. All these damaged pumpkins are a tough pill to swallow, but it's a neccessary evil to keep things fair. I believe most weigh-offs will accept a split pumpkin so a grower can get an official "damaged" weight....sometimes that makes the loss a little less painful.

9/11/2006 12:36:01 AM

Abbotsford, B.C

Well spoken, Alan.

9/11/2006 12:39:12 AM

Sloughhouse, CA

Take it and have it weighed and show it as exhibition. You would not be eligible for prize money but would get noticed and recognizied.

9/11/2006 12:39:28 AM

Deer Park WA

If it has a hole into the cavity it's "Nice Try" been there lot's of times. Slow and steady, honet and fair...

9/11/2006 12:47:33 AM

Netherlands

I had 4 of my 5 pumpkins split this year due to excessive rain fall. When I opened up the biggest two I noticed there was quite a bit of water in there. One of them had been open for a few days before I closed it up but the other was only open for a few hours. That would have added extra weight to the pumpkin. Out here we say: wait till next year.

9/11/2006 1:42:58 AM

Alaska

Keeping your pumpkin growing at a steady rate not to slow not to fast and timing it all for a particular show is the challenge. It takes more skill than luck to get there. Only sound fruit should be accepted. That goes for all giant vegetables you might want to show. Later Scott.

9/11/2006 2:50:57 AM

[email protected]

The split fruit can have an official weight but the designation DMG will follow it forever....as it should.

Alan...if you're serious then I am really sorry.

Steve

9/11/2006 7:18:38 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Marty:
Enough growers have had big ones split on them that everyone appreciates the accomplishment regardless of dmg status. But dmgs cannot be eligible for competition for the obvious possibility of foul play. If you have a big one that is split,but still sound enough to transport, I know the Michigan weigh offs would still welcome & weigh it as exhibition only.
Frank

9/11/2006 10:23:09 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

Jack
The other issue is that damaged fruit, most of the time exhibit some sort of defect. The rule is there also to identify these fruit. Otherwise we wouldn't necessarily be able to breed out undesirable characteristics and keep the weights going up!
John

9/11/2006 11:12:13 AM

New York

Steve-
Geez...no! I hope you didn't read that as serious. Just a play on words to say it wouldn't be a very fun experience dropping a 1600 pounder....something I think many of us could relate to.

9/11/2006 11:32:55 AM