G.P.C. Rules and Recommendations for Howard Dill Award
HOWARD DILL AWARD
This prestigious and highly sought-after award is in honor of Howard Dill, known as the “Father of Giant Pumpkin Growing”, from Windsor Nova Scotia. His love of big beautiful orange pumpkins is the reason for this award. Color, symmetry and size are the key elements for having success in this category. Honesty and fair competition were also very important to Howard and the GPC is committed to uphold these beliefs. In order to help achieve all the above, the GPC has established these rules and recommendations for our sites.
RULES
VARIETY – Dill’s Atlantic Giant
No other varieties are allowed
CONDITION OF FRUIT – All GPC RULES APPLY
FOREIGN SUBSTANCE – AS PER GPC RULES
The entry must be free of any and all foreign substances. This includes but is not limited to:
• Oils of any type
• Wax of any type
• Buffing agents of any type
• The entry must be shown in its natural state. (The grower is allowed to hand rub or buff the entry to smooth out the natural shine and color.
DMG entries are not allowed.
If the Judge/Judges believe any of the above criteria is not met then the entry can be disqualified and the Judges decision will be FINAL.
If a grower is found to be a repeat offender they can be banned from further competitions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If a site allows exhibition entries (EXH), these may qualify for the HD award.
JUDGING – Determining the winner of the Howard Dill Award
A) Qualities to look for are a smooth orange/orange-red color.
B) Symmetry of the fruit and freeness of sag lines and mis-shaped areas
C) SIZE – most sites have a 500 pound minimum however small sites and sites located in challenging locations may decide to lower or eliminate the size requirement.
VOTING – There are many ways of determining the winner of this award and all are acceptable, however the G.P.C. RECOMMENDATIONS are:
Every Giant Pumpkin contestant is given one vote and they may vote for their own providing it meets the above criteria.
In the event of a tie, the heaviest entry wins.