When the Tailgate Drops ...

The old saying about pumpkin competitions is finally becoming a reality for Southwestern growers. As they say:

"When the tailgate drops, the b******* stops."

The AZGPG Spring Harvest Festival is only 21 days away.  All the hopes, and dreams, that we have had for the past four months are now being replaced by the fears of the soon approaching drop date.

The event, to be held at Harper's Landscape & Gardening Centre, will include the first giant pumpkin weigh-off for the Arizona Giant Pumpkin Growers. Harper's, located at 2529 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, is the host sponsor for the group's spring event.

Bart Toftness with his Personal Best Giant Pumpkin in 2012

The event is open to all growers who wish to have their pumpkins weighed, and recognized, in a sanctioned weigh-off. The event, sanctioned by Team-Pumpkin as an official weigh-off site, is AZGPG's first event in 2015. Awards will be given to the top three growers and to all growers who establish a new "Personal Best" pumpkin.

Bart Toftness, of Team-Pumpkin, will attend the weigh-off as a visiting judge.  Toftness will meet with AZGPG growers after the event to talk about what worked, and what didn't in 2015.  He can also answer any questions members have at that time.

Importantly, there is a good possibility that a new Arizona record for giant pumpkins will be set at the event.

Go to the AZGPG website to read the rules related to the event.  For more information contact Dean Baker at DNBAKER at AZGPG.COM.