From

Location

Message

Date Posted

British Columbia, Canada

This question is probably a little out of the blue, but do you think that people who don't grow find giant pumpkins to be a weird hobby? Have you ever felt like people kinda give you a different attitude when you tell or show them it?
I really enjoy this sport, I wouldn't have stuck around here for a decade if I didn't, but I usually only enjoy it to myself. I've never really liked participating in weigh offs or telling anyone about it, I feel almost embarrassed or kinda like a weirdo if I do. I think my dislike of the attention is part of the reason why I haven't really given it my all, why I just kinda toss a couple plants in and grow little dinky pumpkins for fun, because I dread the recognition it'll bring if I get a big one.

4/28/2019 6:57:48 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

When we have taken pumpkins across Iowa to Pawnee City Nebraska, we got all kinds of attention. Care would pass us on the interstate, then slow down so we could pass and they could take pictures. Even a state trooper did that. At rest and gas stops, people would come up asking all kinds of questions, wanting their picture taken with the pumpkins. It really seems to bring out smiles on people, and that is a great feeling.

4/28/2019 8:34:48 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

I have had a similar experience as Iowegian, had people taking pictures on the interstate, giving me thumbs up. Everyone that doesn't grow, seems to be fascinated at the size. Even 400 lb'ers

4/28/2019 8:44:59 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

People that don't know me can sometimes have an interesting reaction to giant pumpkin growing if they know nothing about it, then they seem to get interested or excited in it the more I talk.

For me I always seem to get my enthusiasm across about this, and people like and respect that, and I'll answer any question I have. From growing pumpkins over the years and interacting with people my respect and understanding of anyone that has a passion has grown.

I meet people that don't want to tell me what their passion is, as they think it is stupid or dumb, I tell them to embrace it and spread the word, be proud of what you do, it's what makes everyone unique.

The only strange people I've come across are people who don't seem to be interested in anything at all.

4/28/2019 11:12:04 PM

Colorado

I always wondered how people grew such giants.I wouldn't use the word weird,more like what the H''l how did you grow that thing.Kind of weird science meets gardening.

4/28/2019 11:35:05 PM

Syracuse, NY

I was the same weigh at my new job, keeping it to myself because that's exactly the weigh i THOUGHT 'these people', different than ever before to me, were gonna react. WRONG!
open arms, 'wow, man, that's pretty cool, dude', 'YOU GREW THAT???' etc. Nothing but surprising interest and a looking-forward-to-this-year attitude for me. and, if anyone ever GIVES you a bad impression? lets' hear what THEY do and give it right back, man! WE do it - THEY don't! arrghhh... ok, i'm not at work, i'm not at work...lol--eg

4/29/2019 4:37:28 AM

50 Acres

I get the same weird question every year. How much milk do you feed it?

4/29/2019 9:05:54 AM

Central Illinois

Some people might look down on it but they are the types if you talk about the science in it they might understand

4/29/2019 9:47:40 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

It’s just a hobby (or passion) that most of us do for fun and accomplishment.

I’ve returned to golf now that I’m retired and non-golfers will say “why do you waste your money on that stupid game” or “golf, what a waste of time”

To me, golf and pumpkin growing are both not a waste of time or money because I enjoy them both.

Everyone likes a Giant Pumpkin!!

4/29/2019 12:22:38 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I to get the same responses. It’s 450 miles to Minneapolis for the weigh offs. Lots of people taking pictures on the interstate, sometimes I worry about wrecks cause some do some dangerous things to get that photo. I stopped at Walmart in Crookston, Mn and one guy asked lots of questions and took pictures then said he was the editor for the Crookston newspaper. I ended up in their next printing. At gas stations people bring up their children and ask to take photos with the kids standing next to the kin. Oh what a joy it is.

4/29/2019 1:54:32 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

95% of people I talk to think it’s fascinating. Maybe 5% seem to acknowledge it without comment, but with acceptance, like I would be if someone told me they collect license plates. Like cool, whatever floats your boat. I’ve never got a feeling someone thinks it is stupid. Pumpkins bring out the kid in everyone. Even city slickers.

4/29/2019 5:20:27 PM

Midway, UT

Of course it is weird. Spending this kind of time growing a fruit has to be considered weird. UNTIL you show them the fruit. Weird turns to fascination and awe at that point with probably a little respect.

5/3/2019 6:16:28 PM

Zurich Ont Canada

I get some strange reactions to it also. But in comparison lets take someone who loves playing golf. They spend hours in a day chasing a little ball around in all kinds of weather. They spend thousands of dollars on clubs and membership. They travel all over to different courses. But hey. If you enjoy it. do it. Hobbys are good to have!

5/7/2019 3:11:22 PM

Zurich Ont Canada

I get some strange reactions to it also. But in comparison lets take someone who loves playing golf. They spend hours in a day chasing a little ball around in all kinds of weather. They spend thousands of dollars on clubs and membership. They travel all over to different courses. But hey. If you enjoy it. do it. Hobbys are good to have!

5/7/2019 3:12:15 PM

Zurich Ont Canada

I want to add. Just because it is different doesnt make it weird. Although I must say that fun can turn into an obsession or should I say addiction. Definition of addiction when something interferes with your job, family life, and rational thinking. Anyone ever planned their family camping around pollination time. I have. WEIRD!!! Or got to work late because a female flower wasnt quite open yet. I have. WEIRD!! Spend hours in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking of ideas to get a bigger pumpkin. WEIRD!!

5/7/2019 3:20:29 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

I would agree with some of the above comments. Weird is not the word. Wonder? perhaps. The pumpkins seem to be universal, rural Washington, Vegas, to Hollywood and Beverly Hills, I have driven these stupid things around and always get the same response. Disbelief, then curiosity. Then for those who have seen them before, the best word I can come up with is respect. We grow... Good clean fun, something that will put an immediate smile on little kids to crotchety old farts, from gang bangers to hipsters to movie stars. Is what we do weird? No, but it is rare, and very visual, so its affects on those around are quite fun to watch.

5/7/2019 3:37:25 PM

Muddy Waters

Yes thats why I have been holding back to. Cant stand the limelight.LOL

5/7/2019 8:42:28 PM

Muddy Waters

I wear weird like a badge of honor!! I sure as hell dont want to be normal in todays world

5/7/2019 8:45:10 PM

Zurich Ont Canada

Bubba is right. We are a special breed. Normal is boring.

5/8/2019 8:15:02 PM

Newcastle, CA

To be weird is to be free

5/17/2019 5:21:56 PM