Hugh Wiberg
2005
Hugh Wiberg, a founding member of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth alongside Howard Dill, was widely known for his passion for gardening, nature, and especially hand-feeding wild birds. A beloved figure on Massachusetts’ North Shore, he helped establish the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Topsfield Fair and inspired generations of growers through his generosity, often sharing seeds and knowledge freely. Wiberg also authored several books on bird feeding and vegetable gardening, reflecting his lifelong dedication to connecting people with the natural world.
Beyond his accomplishments, Hugh was remembered most for his character—warm, generous, and grounded in simple joys. He instilled in his children values of patience, humor, perspective, and an appreciation for nature, while encouraging others to “not sweat the small stuff.” Whether hand-feeding chickadees, hiking miles each year on Patriots’ Day, or sharing pumpkins with communities, he left a lasting legacy of kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life.
Howard Dill
2005
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Peter Glasier
2006
Pete Glasier has dedicated much of his life to pumpkins, beginning as a commercial farmer in Denver, Colorado, where he grew field pumpkins for local schoolchildren. His journey into giant pumpkin growing began in the 1980s after discovering Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds—an interest that quickly took root. In search of ideal growing conditions, Pete and his wife Cindi relocated from Washington state to Oregon, building lasting friendships with fellow growers throughout the Pacific Northwest before ultimately settling in Napa, California.
In Napa, Pete set a state record with a pumpkin weighing 1,535.5 pounds and became a central figure in the region’s thriving growing community. Known as a mentor to many of the next generation, he has helped establish Napa as a hub for giant pumpkin growers. Beyond the patch, Pete is passionate about physical fitness, vegetarianism, animal rights, and environmental stewardship, reflecting a lifestyle grounded in both personal discipline and respect for the natural world.
John Castellucci
2006
Alan Eaton
2006
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Tim Parks
2006
Tim Parks, of Salem, Ohio, has built a life deeply rooted in agriculture, family, and the giant pumpkin community. Alongside his wife Sheila, he owns Parks Garden Center near Canfield, a thriving business specializing in gardening supplies, greenhouse production, and fall crops. Since being awarded a Great Pumpkin Commonwealth weigh-off site in 1995, Tim has played a pivotal role in growing the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers into one of the world's premier clubs. As a founding director and longtime president, he has served as a leader, educator, and organizer—hosting weigh-offs, seminars, and events while mentoring growers of all experience levels.
Tim’s influence extends far beyond his own growing success, which includes multiple championships and a personal best of 1,670 pounds. A GPC director for eight years and a 2006 Hall of Fame inductee—the youngest ever selected—he helped shape the foundation of the GPC with a focus on fairness and grower support. Known for his insight and perspective, Tim often reminds others that growing giant pumpkins is a long journey built on years of shared knowledge and community effort, a legacy he continues to foster through leadership, innovation, and dedication to the sport.
James Kuhn
2007
James Kuhn began growing Atlantic Giant pumpkins in 1993, quickly establishing himself as a competitive and innovative force in New England. By 1997, he captured first place at the Topsfield Fair with a 929-pound pumpkin, setting a New England record that stood for three years and ranking among the top weights in the world. He continued to push boundaries, producing New Hampshire’s first 1,000-pound Atlantic Giant in 2001 and later achieving a 1,177-pound pumpkin that placed third in the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth. His pioneering efforts extended beyond pumpkins, as he also grew the state’s first 1,000-pound green squash in 2010.
A founding member and first president of the New Hampshire Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, James played a key role in building and strengthening the regional growing community, serving from 1999 to 2006. He has also contributed as a longtime board member of the New England Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and has been recognized with lifetime honorary memberships for his leadership and dedication. Outside of growing, James is passionate about beekeeping, hunting, and fishing—pursuits that reflect his deep connection to the outdoors and commitment to stewardship of the land.
Bill Greer
2007
Geneva Emmons
2007
Geneva Emmons discovered her passion for giant pumpkins after moving from her Indiana farm roots to the Pacific Northwest, where she and her family began gardening together. Inspired by early pioneers like Howard Dill and Joel Holland, what started as a simple family garden quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit. Geneva embraced the joy that giant pumpkins bring to others, believing—like Dill—that their size and wonder have a unique way of making people happy. For her, the experience has always been about more than the pumpkins themselves, serving as a meaningful way to teach life lessons and connect with a broader community of growers.
Working alongside her husband Don, Geneva approached growing as a true partnership, combining their strengths and emphasizing collaboration over competition. Together with their family, including innovations like their son’s pumpkin-lifting machine, they built a system rooted in teamwork and sustainability. A strong advocate for organic practices, Geneva utilized natural methods and thoughtful soil management to produce healthy crops while respecting the environment. Above all, she values the relationships formed through growing, viewing the friendships and shared experiences as the greatest reward of all.
