Success StoryGiant Pumpkin and Watermelon weigh off



Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon weigh off

Author: Andy Mills

Planning Unit: Meade County CES

Major Program: Agritourism Planning

Plan of Work: Community Forums, Built Environments, Great Pumpkin Pursuit

Outcome: Initial Outcome

For the fourth year in a row this ANR agent has collaborated with the KY Giant Pumpkin Grower's Association, Meade County Tourism Board, Meade County FFA, and a local Agritourism farm to plan and implement a national weigh-off for a giant vegetable especially pumpkins and watermelons.  Over 300 people attended the event from seven different states.  It is estimated that this event generates nearly $10,000 for our community.  Spectators are given the chance to learn about growing vegetables through questions and answers available from growers. Educational posters on pollination and plant anatomy are on display to help spectators understand some of the growing and management process.  It takes 18 volunteers for a total of 126 volunteer hours as well as several hundred dollars in donated equipment use to conduct the event.  The Meade County event once again was the number one weigh-off in the world for watermelons.






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