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Location

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Stanwood, Washington

Did Joel Holland do something to piss off the GPC?

In my mind he is unquestionably one of the top 4 growers of all time. However, he continues to get passed over for the GPC Hall of fame. By my first hand observation, he meets every one of the listed criteria.

12/17/2020 7:58:50 PM

Stanwood, Washington

1. candidates who are and have been leaders in the overall running of clubs and the building of our great hobby.

I think there is an argument to be made that Joel's Website providing supplies specifically for Giant Pumpkin Growing could be the single biggest factor in the growing of this hobby that there has ever been.


2. Club/GPC participation (must have taken a leadership role for 5 years or more at a club, GPC site coordinator,
Executive Committee Member, or similar roles).

I don't know the entire history of this but I can tell you that Joel and marilou have always been ready to pitch in at the events I have been to.

3. The nominee should have demonstrated a high level of
integrity, selflessness and ethical conduct throughout their history.

Spotless as far as I can tell. Joel has always treated me well.

4. Generosity of time and seeds and knowledge (must have given freely of his/her time to the betterment of this hobby including public speaking, seed donations and volunteering at any level, organizing events, etc.)

I see Joel's seeds in the seed auctions as much as anyone else's and as I said before the Hollands are always pitching in at weigh offs.

5.Number of awards won during career (must have won 5 local/regional GPC sanctioned events, bonus for
regional & world records in any of the GPC categories.

This is not even a question he probably averages close to 5 wins a year. Two World Championships and 7 wins at Half Moon Bay.

6. Number of years growing (must have been an active grower for at least 10 years documented by entries at GPC
weigh-off sites).

Joel Grew his first Giant in 1974 and has grown them every year since. Its probably a safe bet that no one has grown more AG's than he has during his lifetime. That alone aught to be grounds for automatic entry in the HOF.

12/17/2020 7:59:27 PM

Stanwood, Washington

Nothing against this years inductees, I think they are both well deserving. However, a search of the genetics site shows that Joel has grown more 1000 pound pumpkins than both of them combined. He has also grown more 1200 pounders, more 1500 pounders and more 1700 pounders than both of them combined. As I mentioned he has excellent credentials for the other criteria as well. I'd be curious to hear the factors that led to the determination that Joel was less qualified. It appears to me that he is being deliberately excluded. The only Thing I can figure out is that there is some sort of long standing grudge going on. Anyone care to enlighten me?

12/17/2020 8:01:50 PM

Grittyville, WA

Pumpkin politics. It is the "GPC hall of fame". Emphasis on GPC. Joel was around long before the GPC became the only pumpkin growing organization.
It doesn't detract from Joel he is simply too big a pumpkin for the gpc to measure. In my opinion... it's more that the GPC hasnt fully grown into it's own shoes. They just need to break out the 288" tape measure.

12/18/2020 1:12:02 AM

Muddy Waters

Everything is politics.Its wrong but just the way it is

12/18/2020 8:28:17 AM

South Dakota

Popularity contest. If you have enough money you get the "recognition". Similar to the nominations for GPC region representative, did anyone see a call for nominations from the GPC membership? If you are an "in", your in. If your broke, you are a bloke.

12/18/2020 9:28:37 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I was surprised to hear Joel was not in the GPC HOF. He might have just been overlooked. I would like to hear what the GPC leaders have to say. But then, I think Ray Waterman should be recognized as well. And let's not forget Pete Rose, Mr. Hustle. This will all work itself out. My vote is for Joel. Maybe they could do two this year?

12/18/2020 9:44:50 AM

Central Ca

IMHO, Joel and his wife don’t need the GPC. Their awesomeness stands on its own two feet.

12/18/2020 10:29:43 AM

Centennial Colorado

I agree with that. I think he was the most qualified on the list. I also think the same regions have been dominating the GPC hall of fame. No one from my region has ever been recognized. How about Joe Scherber? He has won 21 GPC weighoffs, set 7 state records, donated over $10000 worth of seeds, one of the founders of the GPC and has helped over 50 people including me, learn how to grow giant pumpkins.

12/18/2020 11:21:23 AM

Western NY

lol!

12/19/2020 1:49:41 AM

Syracuse, NY

Didn't I see 4 nominations in the Announcement post? Could all FOUR win? I think the time for the crowd to chant was a couple of months ago, not after the fact, eh? Trust me, I'd like to be the first in line to wish Joel the very best in the pumpkin world, but I think what applies here is 'Maybe next year...' eg

12/19/2020 2:18:41 AM

Jericho Vermont

Remember that this is the GPC Hall of Fame and though the governing body for a number of weigh offs it is not the be all end all for all giant vegetable growing. There certainly could be a BigPumpkins.com hall of fame, Country Hall of Fame or each gardening club could have their own. Joel Holland has earned his place in pumpkin greatness and although was not inducted in to the GPC HOF this year should be proud of all of his accomplishments.

12/19/2020 4:39:05 PM

Western NY

LJ, there was a call for nominations in November.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=692490

12/19/2020 8:07:56 PM

Georgia

Seriously, Holland is not in the Hall of Fame? Wow, someone is harboring some serious pettiness. He has a bio that is only matched by maybe two current growers.

12/23/2020 9:34:32 AM

Upper Strasburg, PA

It reminds me of high school cliques sometimes. Some things never change.

12/23/2020 1:22:35 PM