From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Southern Plains

Now that we're firmly entrenched into this year's weighoffs, here's a question for everyone who is a Site Coordinator, "Expert" helper, or otherwise heavily involved with a weighoff:

What's the worst thing which has already happened to you at a weighoff, or could hypothetically occur?

During the week of an approaching weighoff, what "nightmare" scenarios have caused you to wake up in a cold sweat, only to use those nightmares to your advantage, through preparation?

This post also could apply to anyone who has a disaster story about getting a fruit to a weighoff, or anyone who is currently pondering how to get that 1800-pounder out of a greenhouse.

9/22/2020 8:45:17 PM

Grittyville, WA

Dont let newbie pumpkin inspectors get so far under a pumpkin that they would get injured if it slipped loose. I mean, we want to trust our pumpkin lifting and some of us take risks sometimes.. but still that would be my nightmare.

9/22/2020 9:03:00 PM

On a cliff in the desert

How about the scale not being able to weigh a pumpkin because its too heavy for the scale.

9/22/2020 10:27:47 PM

Westmoreland, KS

LOL you trying to freak me out right before the weighoff!

9/22/2020 11:06:30 PM

Colorado

That my pumpkin weighs light again.

9/22/2020 11:16:02 PM

On a cliff in the desert

How about pumpkin lifting straps breaking when the pumpkin is being put on the scale.

9/22/2020 11:37:04 PM

Netherlands

Real story from a Belgian weigh-off I visited years ago. The forklift driver delivering and picking up the pumpkins to and from the scales accidently tipped the forks and dropped one of the big squash and it cracked open. The grower was not amused.

9/23/2020 2:52:02 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Well there was that one time someone got ran over. Then the time when we lifted the pumpkin for inspection the bottom propped out of it, and about 30 gallons of fermented pumpkin stew

9/23/2020 7:21:00 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

One concern always is that the scale might break down with no backup available. Most scales are electric and so the power going out would also end the story.

9/23/2020 8:56:21 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

One time Scot Steil and his son brought 2 monster pumpkin Anamosa The first one was weighed in and would easily take first place. The second looked like it would take second place, He had it sitting on foam rubber and held down with shrink wrap clear plastic so it would handle the trailer ride from central Minnesota. I was standing right by the trailer when he cut the plastic wrap. We all heard a very loud pop as the pumpkin spit in half. He got a dmg weight that would have taken 2nd place,

9/23/2020 9:52:50 AM

North Of The Border

Having the biggest by measurement, by let's say 100 pounds, and therefore getting weighed last. Then realizing, that it went 20+% light, and getting 3rd, or 4th place, with a clear looking, winner.

9/24/2020 4:08:42 PM

Syracuse, NY

Pumpkin lifting strap damage!

9/26/2020 3:24:40 PM

South Dakota

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=320946

9/26/2020 8:26:25 PM

Syracuse, NY

Never heard nor seen such a sad string of events.
You should get a 'Sorry for your Loss' card and a 2145 from the Weighoff.
The ONLY good news is that you a Master of pumpkin repair, and I am not trying to be funny - that's how bummed I am for you---eg

9/26/2020 8:54:35 PM

Syracuse, NY

are

9/26/2020 8:55:38 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yes LJ a bad weigh off for sure. Pumpkin accidents would be forgivable but that really shouldn't happen plus a a scale you dont trust and no award!!!

9/27/2020 12:06:56 PM

Colorado

Sorry to see that LJ. Nice pumpkin-damn good effort for what I believe was your first year.Wasnt there so I cant comment on any of the misshaps.

9/28/2020 6:05:57 PM

Grittyville, WA

Catch covid and die.

10/5/2020 1:48:17 PM